As the sun set over the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the atmosphere was electric as Collingwood and Carlton clashed in a highly anticipated match on April 3, 2025. The early exchanges saw the Blues take charge, showcasing their intent to turn around a dismal run of form. However, the spotlight was on a star Magpie, facing scrutiny after a head-high bump on a Carlton opponent that has stirred discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Collingwood finalized their lineup with the inclusion of B. Frampton and B. Mihocek, while R. McInnes and M. Cox were left out. The Magpies' starting squad comprised key players including B. Maynard, J. Howe, and D. Moore, who aimed to leverage their home advantage. Meanwhile, Carlton welcomed A. Moir, C. Lord, and W. White into their ranks, replacing M. Cottrell, J. Boyd, and F. Evans. The Blues' lineup featured stars like Patrick Cripps and Charlie Curnow, who were crucial to their strategy.
Despite a promising start, Carlton's recent history has been troubling. Since round 17 of last season, the Blues have managed only two wins from twelve matches, with victories coming against the struggling West Coast and North Melbourne. Coach Michael Voss, however, remains optimistic, stating, "There is still a lot of runway to go in season 2025," as he hopes to guide his team back to form.
The backdrop to this match was the ongoing debate regarding Carlton's trade decisions made in the previous offseason. In October 2024, a rival recruiter criticized the Blues for their trade period, particularly questioning their decision to acquire pick No. 3 without securing future first or second-round picks. Carlton ultimately used that pick to draft Victorian midfielder Jagga Smith, a player they had rated as the best in the draft. However, the cost was steep: Carlton traded away 33-goal small forward Matt Owies, along with picks 12, 73, and both a future first and second-round selection to secure Smith and the Camporeale brothers, Ben and Lucas.
Currently, those future picks are held by Hawthorn, projected to be picks 3 and 21 in the upcoming draft. This trade has left Carlton in a precarious position, and Voss's team is at a crossroads as they navigate the season. The Blues' performance has been marred by poor ball movement, a crucial issue that has plagued their play since last year.
In an effort to bolster their roster, Carlton had pursued Dan Houston, who expressed a desire to reunite with Voss after leaving Port Adelaide. Unfortunately, the Blues lacked the necessary capital to complete the deal, a situation that chief executive Brian Cook acknowledged in mid-2023, highlighting the club's 'top-heavy' list burdened by significant long-term contracts.
Key players such as Patrick Cripps, Jacob Weitering, and Zac Williams have all received lucrative contracts in recent years, but their performances have not always matched their paychecks. Williams, in particular, was signed as a restricted free agent for nearly $5 million over six years but has struggled to make a significant impact, largely playing in defensive roles rather than his intended midfield position.
As the match unfolds, attention turns to Tom De Koning, who is out of contract this year and drawing interest from rival clubs, including St Kilda. De Koning's versatility makes him a valuable asset, and while the Blues have made him an offer to stay, the Saints are ready to make a competitive bid. Another player, Brodie Kemp, is also in the sights of St Kilda, especially after a standout performance against the Western Bulldogs, where he scored five goals.
Currently, De Koning and Kemp are among 19 players on Carlton's roster who are uncontracted beyond 2025. Losing De Koning would be a significant blow, but it could also free up salary cap space and trigger a first-round compensation pick if he decides to leave as a restricted free agent. This would provide Carlton with a much-needed boost in the upcoming draft.
As it stands, Carlton's first pick in the November draft is expected to be a second-round selection linked to the Brisbane Lions. Should the Lions finish in the top four again, this pick could fall into the late 30s, a range that can yield decent talent but lacks guaranteed star potential. However, there is hope on the horizon for Carlton fans, as they might not need many high picks to secure quality players.
Among those prospects is Harry Dean, a highly-rated 193cm defender from the Murray Bushrangers, who could join Carlton as a father-son selection this November. Additionally, the Blues have access to Next Generation Academy prospects Tyson Gresham, a small forward, and Jack Ison, a promising forward. Looking ahead to 2026, Cody Walker, a bottom-age player with the Bendigo Pioneers, is generating buzz as a potential father-son prospect, having captained the under-16 All-Australian team last year.
With Smith returning from an ACL injury next year, the Blues have a fresh dynamic to look forward to in their midfield. However, the immediate focus remains on the current match against Collingwood. As the game progresses, both teams are vying for a crucial victory that could set the tone for the rest of the season. Can Carlton turn their fortunes around and secure a much-needed win, or will Collingwood assert their dominance at home?
