It might only be early November, but that hasn’t stopped Kane Cornes from making an extremely early prediction for next year’s AFL premiership.
After they broke a long-standing finals drought before pressing onto the Preliminary Final in 2023, Carlton is primed to go at least one better in 2024, according to Cornes.
The prediction was sparked after Tom Morris suggested that the Blues have a perfectly balanced list to challenge next year after picking up some talented players in the off-season.
“Just looking at the Carlton list, they are so beautifully ready to go,” Morris said on SEN Breakfast.
“They want for nothing. They’d like Harry McKay to kick straight, but they’ve got everything else in place.
“Their good players are contracted and they’ve picked up some people (who can play). Elijah Hollands, I don’t know how good he is going to be, but he was a top-10 pick three years ago, so clearly he can play.
“And Orazio Fantasia has proven himself at the elite level as well.”
With that as the discussion topic, Cornes threw up the Blues as his early flag favourite for 2024.
“It’s my way too early premiership prediction,” Cornes said.
“I’ve got the Blues winning it next year. It’s early, it’s November 3, but it’s my way too early pre, pre, pre-season prediction.
“I think the Blues win it next year.”
Cornes also commented on Carlton’s capture of Orazio Fantasia as a delisted free agent after a number of injury-riddled seasons at Port Adelaide following his stint at Essendon.
“He can seriously play,” said Cornes of Fantasia.
“There’s little risk associated with doing it because you’re not paying him a lot. If he doesn’t play, he’s not going to cost you much. The upside is high.
“Andrew Russell is as good a fitness boss in the league. They’ll back him in to get a program together for Orazio where he can play.
“If he played 16 games for the year, and three finals, it’s a good get. I think they’ll manage that throughout the year.”
The Blues enjoyed a dream run to September this year, winning nine of their last 10 home and away matches before defeating Sydney and Melbourne in Elimination and Semi Finals respectively.
After a storming start in the Preliminary Final against Brisbane when kicking the first five goals, they would eventually succumb to the Lions by 16 points.
However, it was a successful season under Michael Voss and one the Carlton faithful will hope they can capitalise on next year.