Many expect the Blues to take a step back this year. I still think they can produce a few SuperCoach gems for you to consider in your side.
Shout out to Janath Fernando ( The Professor ) who helped guide me on this one. Let’s see what Carlton has to offer.
The Lock
Nic Newman ( Def ) $439.300
Let’s rewind to 2024, Nic averaged 101.5 with 4 scores over 145 ( and three under 65 ) High Ceiling Low floor. Not ideal, but they did mess with his role a fair bit. In 2025 Newman fell foul to a nasty patella injury. There was talk he could of maybe returned late in the year, but extra precaution was taken due to his age and the Blues ladder position. Basically Nic fits the profile of a fallen premium perfectly. Yes he’s just turned 33, but he does play that mostly bruise free half back role. Nic could be as much as $100K under priced. Kick ins are a big part of if Nic could get back to his premium scoring. Keep an eye on his role in preseason. I’m confident enough that he’s currently sitting in my side.
The Dark Horse
George Hewett ( Mid ) $607.300
George was one of the real surprise packets of last season. He and Mc Luggage burst up to the top of the midfield rankings with incredible starts to the year. Fast forward to 2026 and there’s some doubts around if Hewett can repeat the heroics of 2025. Do the new rules negatively affect him ? Scobes in his great analysis has pointed out George gets a fair share of his points from stoppages. What ever happens, Hewett will always be a great two way runner, with a solid midfield role. low owned is an understatement. Hewett is most certainly a Dark Horse in 2026.
The Breakout
Cooper Lord $324 200
Copper who ? Well here’s a funny story. I had a friend from Melbourne visiting Sydney recently, He said to keep an eye out for his Nephew who plays for Carlton. I’m like ok What’s his name ? The guy goes Cooper Lord, looks like he’s finally getting a game in the seniors. I’m not a huge one for omens, but I had a little look into his numbers and there might just be something there.. He got his chance at the end of 2025 ( Rounds 21-23 ) Where he attended 70% CBA’s and averaged 101 SuperCoach points. I can see a few parallels with what Ned Long did when he eventually got his chance at Collingwood. Yes he’s an awkward price, but I seriously think he could be worth a look as a M5- M6 option. keep an eye on the preseason games to see how the Blues are shaping up.
The Rookie
Jagga Smith ( Mid ) $119.900
I don’t need a heap of stats to tell you the Kid’s class. A few brief clips of him in preseason is enough to know he passes the eye test with flying colors. Put him in your SC side. If he stays fit he will play and he will make cash. Harry Dean ( Def ) $194 500 is worth a quick mention as well. He’s another prodigious talent that will most likely play early. The price is a little steep, but Connor O’Sullivan ( Geelong ) proved last year, that key backs can score ok, and make cash if given the right roles. Pop him on your watch list just in case. Lastly I will also mention Liam Reidy ( Ruck / Fwd ) $119.900. I honestly don’t think he will play if Pitto is fit. I see him at R3 in a heap of sides. I’m saving the $20k and getting Kalani White.
Once again, Thank you to Janath for helping compile this list of Carlton hopefuls.
Who are you looking at from a Carlton perspective in 2026 ?
Feel free to let us know in the comments
Cheers FT.
Thanks Freo Tragic, I am unfortunately a Blues Tragic having followed the CFC for 65 years, seeing great times and now just hoping.
I have Newman in my side and Jagga, along with Dean? will they be the spark the Blues need….
Hey Robert. sorry for the delay on the reply
65 years eh
You at least got to see ” the Kernahan years ” 87 and 95.
At Freo we got nothin 🙁
Jagga looks like the future., and Dean plays at some stage surely.
Hi FT,
My first GF was 1968 v Essendon, had a seat in the Southern Stand.
Went to1969, 1970, 1972….
Missed 1979 but went to 1981 and 1982….
Went to 1986 and 1987, missed 1996.
It was a great time to be a Carlton/VFL member, sadly for my kids those times are just a memory.
My email moniker is weg1968…… a proud Blueboy.
Lord in 2025
21 Games
Subbed off x 9
Subbed on x 7
4 lowest scores
8, 13, 24, 25
4 highest scores
121 v Suns, 111 v Freo, 106 v Mel, 96 v Giants
average PPM for season 0.8
Some others who averaged 0.8PPM last Year
Jaspa Fletcher, Zac Bailey, Luke Ryan, Bailey Humphrey
Based on PPM over 20+ Games Lord is underpriced by $140k
oops that was wrong.
Lord in 2025
21 Games
Subbed off x 2
Subbed on x 7
Thx for that David, no idea where you got those stats (subs on/off) but they really make me think.
Cooper had 7 games starting sub and no doubt other teams had a player (or 2) who did same thing. The ‘regular’ sub.
With no sub this year, in theory Cooper and others get more game time just by simply starting on the bench and being available. Coaches are yet to show us how they will use the 5th bench, but in prior years, while they carried out medical tests, the sub sat there, this year they can immediately go on. Common sense dictates more game time for these ‘regular’ subs hence more score options.
So yes, Cooper and others could be unders and a quick cash grab….once we see how coaches use 5th bench in games?
Or am I off track?
I think you’re onto something, Cuzza.
The 5th bench spot should allow coaches to better manage player loads.
Maybe they and try and save a player for the second half ? Each coach may have a different approach. Time will tell I guess. .
AFL website had an article on how clubs used the sub rule last year, who was most subbed on/off and at what stage of the game. I just tried to find it to post the link but I can’t locate it
13 tackles and 98 v cats tonight looks good tricky price though, looks a lot better footballer than that over rated porky in #4 for the tiges though
Does Cooper Lord lose his role to Jagga Smith?
Hewett – defensive
Cripps – shovel
Jagga – first touch
Walsh/Cerra – second touch
Acres/Florent – wing
Lord… is this right? where does he fit??
Good Point Magic. My take is they rotate Jagga / Walsh and possibly Lord as they may need managing coming off injury. Lord not a huge time on ground player anyway. There’s also a chance they use Cripps as the back up Ruck. This would allow a spot for lord when Cripps is rucking.
I was watching a “Blues Abroad” video last week and apparently, Cripps is spending a fair bit of time forward during their match sim.
Last year was his 2nd year and he only played the last 2 games of 2024 scoring 88 and laying 7 tackles against the saints in his 2nd game. I think the sub situation was probably more due to his youth and physical development for his role. 3rd year he’ll obviously be bigger, stronger and more confident I see a genuine opportunity to increase his ave by 20.
He’s a fair bit bigger, stronger and more defensive than Jagga and he averages 3.9 tackles p/game and gets some big tackle numbers; 12 tackles against GCS in rnd 22 last year and twice with 8. His non sub games have been impressive too; 96 v Giants, 111 v Freo, 121 v. suns.
When he was subbed on it was usually late in 3rd qrtr. subbed on 7 times subbed off twice I think its fair to remove his 5 worst scores an d calculate the ave.
5 worst scores 8, 13, 24, 25, 27 =97 His total points from 21 games 1,258 = 59.90 ave
Total from 16 games (inc. 4 sub affected) =1,161 =an average of 72.5
Take out all 9 sub games and he averaged 82.8
With cripps spending a lot of time around half forward Hewett may move into his role and Lord into Hewitts. Pre season games could show something
Nice write up.
Seen historically how some talls (def / fwd) rookies can be gold – if they are solid in the team.
Think you might have identified one here I hadn’t considered in Dean. If named early I think he’ll string together a couple of good games to pay off nicely.
Newman was in my first team, but Carlton track watchers say he is still running laps at training and yet to join in on any match sim.
After watching some recent match sim Brodie Kemp @ $205k could be a Flex or F8 option.