If Carlton coach Michael Voss were list manager for a day, there is one thing he would prioritise this off-season: depth.
After making finals in back-to-back years heading into 2025, this season has been nothing short of disappointing for the Blues, who have been no chance at making the eight for weeks now, and are set to end their season in a dead rubber against Essendon on Thursday.
The Blues have won just eight games this season, with their lack of reinforcements in the absence of key players such as Sam Walsh, Harry McKay, Jack Silvagni and Charlie Curnow playing a major role in their underperformance.
It’s been the Blues’ inability to withstand injuries to their stars that has made it clear to Voss that rounding out the list is what Carlton should strive to do in the upcoming trade period.
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“We need some depth,” Voss told the media on Monday.
“That’s been a priority for us.
“Every list has got needs… ideally clearly we want to bring in some speed and some ball use. That’ll be nice on the edges to be able to bring that.”
When asked about the likely departure of ruckman Tom De Koning, Voss expressed optimism that the 26-year-old would stay on in the navy blue.
“We’re obviously hoping that he’s (De Koning) with us next year… he’ll make his decision next, I don’t know what that is,” he said.
As has been reported all season, De Koning currently has a lucrative offer in front of him from St Kilda, that is said to be worth as much as $1.8 million a season.
It is expected he will put pen to paper on that deal in the off-season, and depart for Moorabbin.
De Koning isn’t the only player rumoured to be eyeing an exit out of Ikon Park though, with beloved defender Jack Silvagni also entertaining several clubs as he enters free agency, with clubs such as Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs heavily interested in the 27-year-old.
Coleman medallists Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay have also been rumoured as potential Carlton exits.
Curnow was reported earlier in the year to be tantalised by the prospect of joining the Gold Coast Suns, while Harry McKay has long been suggested as someone who could be recruited elsewhere, as he’s battled inconsistent form throughout Voss’ coaching tenure.