Carlton 2024 Predictions / Expectations

[Gointocarlton]

And it's going to get even harder when Weiters is back, Hollands, E is available and the newbies start pressing for a spot!

It's virtually set in stone that we'll go with two rucks and De Koning will rest forward as a third tall or giving Harry or Charlie a breather.  It's also clear that Docherty will play forward and in the midfield and Cottrell will play mainly as a forward ... and I expect that he'll be picked before Cuningham and Fogarty. 

I think that Newman has cemented a place in defence and, in Weitering's absence, Young has to play (unless he has a shocker of a pre-season).  That gives us Saad, Young, Newman and McGovern pencilled in and Kemp, Williams, Marchbank, Cincotta, Durdin, S, Cowan, and Boyd fighting for the remaining three spots.  Apparently young Binnsy is earmarked to play in defence this season so that's another one to add to the mix.

Another way to look at it is to have a a look at the 2023 PF side which did very well and ask how does it get improved or tweaked
2023 PF team
FB Boyd Weitering Saad
HB Newman Marchbank McGovern
C Docherty Cripps Acres
R Pittonet Cerra Walsh
HF Martin McKay Cottrell
FF De Koning Curnow Motlop
INT Hollands O Hewitt Fogarty Cincotta Kennedy(s)

*From memory they started with Pitt and TDK on the ground at the opening bounce. Whether they go with that is the norm remains to be seen.

2024 Rnd 1 (bold = position "owned" in my view ad for the sake of this discussion.
FB Boyd/Williams Weitering Young Saad
HB Newman Marchbank/Kemp/Durdin S McGovern
C Docherty/Hollands O Cripps Acres
R De Koning Cerra Walsh
HF Martin McKay Cottrell/Cunninghan
FF Durdin C/Fantasia Curnow Motlop
INT Pittonet Hewitt Fogarty Cincotta/Cowin Kennedy

As you mention, Weiters will walk in, haven't factored E Hollands.
Its easy when you have injuries (which in the past has been our standard fare, but if they all come off strong PS's, it will be a mighty task indeed for the MC.