3. Sam Walsh wins the AFL Rising Star award

Having seen Walsh train at Ikon Park, there is no overstating his clean ball use, football smarts, professionalism or work ethic. Speaking about Walsh, veteran Kade Simpson said: “I’m yet to see a weakness. He’s a serious athlete.” Lochie O’Brien has said that Walsh walked through the door as a ready made AFL footballer. We don’t expect anything other than big things right off the bat for the No. 1 draft pick.

4. St Kilda fans ask why their club delisted Hugh Goddard

Goddard’s early career at the Saints was stifled by injury having sustained an achilles injury in his ninth game of AFL football in 2016. He did not play again until round 22 of the 2018 season due to his achilles injury and then, turf toe. He was dropped ahead of round 23 to make way for a returning Jake Carlisle and was ultimately delisted by the Saints. Fortunately, the young defender was invited to Ikon Park for the opportunity to earn himself a place on the rookie list. Carlton had been interested in Goddard since his 2014 draft year. Despite being starved of AFL experience with just 10 games under his belt, Goddard’s work ethic won over the Blues. Following Sam Docherty’s tragic second season-ending ACL injury, Goddard will likely to solidify his position in the Blues best 22 adding much needed depth in defence.

5. Carlton announces a marquee signing

Having replenished the junior ranks over the course of three drafts, Carlton needs to secure ready-made mature talent. Recent efforts saw the Blues add Fasolo, McGovern and Setterfield to its ranks, however the club failed to lure across midfield jet Dylan Shiel. In 2019, the Blues will look to secure out-of-contract marquee players. Carlton’s love affair with GWS is set to continue with Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio being obvious targets.

6. The Blues win three on the trot

It might seem like a big ask in circumstances where the Blues only registered two wins for the whole season in 2018 and last won three in a row in 2016. However if Carlton is serious about making leaps and bounds towards its goal of securing a premiership with the current core group, the time for action is now.

7. Patrick Cripps finishes top 3 in the Brownlow count

In 2018 superstar Patrick Cripps secured his second John Nicholls medal and placed fourth overall in the Brownlow count with 20 votes. The 23 year old co-captain has bulked up this pre-season and looks to be in fine form. With further midfield support around him this year and more wins on the board, we would not be surprised to see Cripps take out the Brownlow and join Carlton greats Greg Williams and Chris Judd.