Carlton Football Club is at a critical juncture, facing a sobering assessment of its future following a disappointing start to the season, currently 0-2 after a loss to the struggling Richmond team. This has raised concerns about the team’s depth and its potential to compete for the premiership this year.
The club’s roster is heavily weighted at the top, with marquee players like Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh, Jacob Weitering, Charlie Curnow, and Harry McKay each reportedly earning over a million dollars. Together, these six players absorb about 34% of Carlton’s $17.7 million salary cap. Tom De Koning is expected to join this elite group soon, should he choose to stay with the Blues. This heavy investment in a select few raises questions about the team’s overall talent depth, an issue that has become apparent in the early rounds of the season.
In the off-season, Carlton made the tough choice to part ways with players such as Matthew Kennedy and Jack Martin to create salary cap space for upcoming negotiations, which has left their roster lacking in depth. Alongside De Koning, vice-captain Walsh’s contract situation is also concerning, as he is set to become a free agent in 2026, prompting speculation that rival clubs may make substantial offers, particularly if Carlton’s difficulties continue. AFL Media’s Cal Twomey noted Walsh could command a significant contract, positioning him as a likely future captain.
Meanwhile, De Koning is weighing a lucrative offer from St Kilda while the Blues have also presented him with a competitive seven-figure salary. The 24-year-old ruckman, recently reflecting on the speculation surrounding his future, emphasised his focus on performance rather than external chatter about contracts. Should he depart, Carlton would acquire a substantial compensation pick, which could be beneficial for rebuilding efforts.
Adding to the dilemma, Carlton no longer controls its first-round draft pick this year after trading it to Hawthorn as part of a deal for the third pick in the upcoming 2024 National Draft. Losing key players might provide the club with much-needed salary cap relief and an opportunity to inject fresh talent into the team, particularly if the upcoming season falters.
This raises the possibility of a soft reset for Carlton, a scenario that would be challenging to present to fans who’ve seen the club win just four finals in the past decade and a half. With both De Koning and Walsh’s contract statuses looming large, the next few seasons could be pivotal in shaping the club’s trajectory moving forward.