Former AFL forward Josh Jenkins believes Carlton are the “real deal”, but has called on their match committee to persist with a young ruckman as the next step of the club's development.
The Blues have started 2022 like a house on fire, fighting to a 4-1 record in Michael Voss’ first year at the helm.
Patrick Cripps’ side has been forced into a scrap in almost every contest this year, fighting back when challenged in contests against Port Adelaide, Hawthorn, the Western Bulldogs and Richmond.
It’s a characteristic not shown by Blues sides of the past, Jenkins believing that’s a reason behind fans taking their time to get aboard the Carlton bandwagon.
“I think Carlton are the real deal,” he told SEN’s The Run Home.
“There is still some trepidation because of the colour of their guernsey, we’re associating them with past issues, but I think they’re the real deal, they’re very well balanced, their midfield is very potent.”
However, Jenkins believes young ruckman Tom De Koning needs to be given the mantle as the club’s number one big man.
De Koning has played four games in 2022, but was left out of the Blues’ clash with the Power in Round 5 as Marc Pittonet rucked solo.
Pittonet, 25, has been in career-best form in 2022, averaging 13 disposals, four clearances, two marks and 24 hitouts per game.
Meanwhile, De Koning is three years his junior at 22-years of age and is still developing in his fifth season in the AFL.
“(Pittonet) is (doing a good job), but I still maintain, with no disrespect to Pittonet, none whatsoever... but I just feel like if they are really going to get to where they want to get to, De Koning will and should take over,” Jenkins continued.
“Whenever that may be, if it’s this year or next year, I think he eventually needs to be able to take over.
“He was left out of the side only last week… So I like him a lot.”
De Koning has returned to the senior side for Carlton’s Round 6 game against Fremantle alongside skipper Patrick Cripps, who has overcome a hamstring complaint.
De Koning and Pittonet are expected to share the ruck against Dockers big man Sean Darcy.