David King has voiced his main concern for Carlton’s season in 2023.
The Blues are heading into the new season with their eyes locked on the top eight, seeking to bounce back from the heartbreak of last year’s narrow finals miss.
However, with Carlton already battling injuries before the season has even started, King is worried that the club may not have the depth should any more players go down.
“The injuries have come early, do they have the depth, particularly in the midfield, if they lose a couple of stars in there,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“Zac Williams is obviously a huge blow for them in the pre-season period, he was flying, I know we say that about everyone but watching all their match simulation, he was the architect off half-back.
“I’m worried about no Walsh no Williams, and they did lose six of their last eight games last year.
“They’ve definitely improved, but do they have the depth?”
While King is certainly concerned, he also sees the potential for the Blues to make a big leap, demonstrating more of their blistering form from early last season.
“They made huge inroads last year with their contest and clearance work,” he said.
“I really like the off-season of Mitch McGovern, I really think he could have a significant impact on them winning games of football, he’s not just a bit-player.”
“(Jacob) Weitering and McGovern is, I think, a centre-half back/full back combination to die for.
“If we’re talking about Carlton making a big jump… I think there’s a penchant for more dare with the ball movement for the Blues this year.
“For that to be the case you need to have defenders that can win their own ball and win one on ones, and I think those two can do that.
“Docherty going into the midfield I think is the shot in the arm this midfield needs, something different in there, he’s a beautiful kick and will set them up.
“They’ve got a high-quality list that’s there for the now, so I think they’re in a rush to get there, but I still feel like they’re a couple of players away.
“Pass mark for me is to make finals.”
Kane Cornes agrees with the potential that Carlton have, yet believe the squad is missing one key piece before they can break through to the next level.
“The question I’ve got over them is… they don’t have a deadly small forward and most of the really good teams do,” Cornes said.
“It’s a lot to ask for (Jesse Motlop) in a really difficult role… year two for him, but he’s got tricks.
“(Charlie) Cameron kicked 54, (Tom) Papley from 19 games at the Swans kicked 32, Brisbane have got six of them, they’ve got so many small forwards it’s not funny.
“The next after McKay and Curnow is Cripps.
“Now Jack Martin was supposed to be that player, but he hasn’t been that player for Carlton.
“That’s just a query I’ve got, who’s going to be a deadly small forward, one that you really have to put some time into.”
Carlton has their first taste of action on February 24, taking on Collingwood at Ikon Park as their first match simulation.