Paddy Dow is currently the only uncontracted player for the Carlton Football Club as they head into the AFL trade period. However, the Blues have recently re-signed three injury-plagued players for the 2024 season. Caleb Marchbank, David Cuningham, and Sam Durdin have all received new one-year deals, providing Carlton with a level of stability in their playing list that they haven’t had in over a decade.
This is a significant change for the Blues, as they have been known for their high turnover of players in recent years. Between 2013 and 2020, Carlton let go of an average of 11 players every off-season, resulting in a lack of stability within the team. However, it seems that the club is now making a conscious effort to retain players and build a more consistent squad.
Marchbank and Cuningham, in particular, have had to overcome persistent injuries throughout their careers. But in 2023, they emerged as key players for Carlton, with Marchbank making a strong impact in the finals after returning to the team in round 20. Their performances have shown the value of patience and perseverance, as they have become important contributors to the Blues’ senior side.
In addition to Marchbank and Cuningham, the Blues are also looking to trade away Paddy Dow and Zac Fisher. This means that there will be a total of seven changes to the list for Carlton for the third consecutive season. While this may seem like a significant turnover, it pales in comparison to the previous years where the club made numerous changes to their playing list.
Overall, the re-signing of Marchbank, Cuningham, and Durdin, along with the potential trades of Dow and Fisher, represents a shift in strategy for the Carlton Football Club. They are now focused on building a more stable and consistent team, rather than making wholesale changes every off-season. This approach can provide the players with confidence and stability, allowing them to develop their skills and contribute to the success of the team.
As the AFL trade period approaches, it will be interesting to see how the Blues navigate the potential departures of Dow and Fisher, and whether they can secure any valuable additions to their squad. Regardless, the re-signing of the trio shows that Carlton is committed to building a solid foundation for the future, and fans can look forward to a more stable and competitive team in the coming seasons.
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