Jack Martin and Caleb Marchbank Among Five Carlton Players Axed After Disastrous End to Season
The winds of change are blowing through Carlton Football Club after a disappointing conclusion to what had been a promising season. Among the most significant developments is the announcement that Jack Martin and Caleb Marchbank, two high-profile players, are among five axed from the Blues’ squad as part of a major overhaul aimed at repositioning the club for future success.
This decision, while necessary from the club’s perspective, has sent shockwaves through the AFL community. Both Martin and Marchbank were expected to play key roles in Carlton’s ascent back to premiership contention, but a combination of injuries, form slumps, and the need for a list rejuvenation has forced the club’s hand. The changes follow what can only be described as a disastrous end to a season that began with high hopes and ended in bitter disappointment.
The 2023 season for Carlton started with optimism. After a promising 2022 campaign and a strong recruitment drive, the Blues were tipped by many to challenge for a top-four spot and perhaps even contend for the premiership. The likes of Jack Martin and Caleb Marchbank, both integral pieces of the squad, were seen as critical to this ambition.
Carlton’s fanbase, long starved of success, rallied behind the team in what seemed like a turning point for the club’s fortunes. Early performances showed glimpses of potential, with key players standing up when it mattered. The midfield, led by captain Patrick Cripps and star recruit Adam Cerra, was dominating games, while young guns like Sam Walsh continued to show they could be the future faces of the club.
However, as the season wore on, inconsistencies began to creep in. A series of close losses, injuries to key players, and tactical errors left Carlton floundering just outside the top eight. By mid-season, the optimism had turned into frustration. Despite moments of brilliance, the Blues couldn’t string together consistent performances, and by the final rounds, the club’s finals hopes were dashed.
For Jack Martin and Caleb Marchbank, the 2023 season was one marked by injuries and unfulfilled potential. Martin, once one of the AFL’s most promising forwards, struggled with form and fitness. Since his high-profile move from the Gold Coast Suns, Martin has shown flashes of brilliance but has been unable to maintain the consistency required of a player with his talent and salary. His ability to impact games as a dynamic forward was clear, but a string of soft-tissue injuries hampered his progress.
Throughout the season, Martin’s body seemed to betray him at the worst possible times. In games where Carlton desperately needed his goal-scoring ability, he was either unavailable or unable to make the necessary impact. Despite his versatility and skill, Martin finished the season with just 12 games and a handful of goals, far below what both the club and supporters expected.
For Caleb Marchbank, the story is even more frustrating. The former GWS Giants recruit had been touted as one of the best young defenders in the league when he joined Carlton in 2016. A tall, athletic key defender, Marchbank’s early career was promising, but his time at the Blues has been ravaged by injury. Serious knee issues, shoulder problems, and other setbacks have meant that Marchbank has spent more time in rehabilitation than on the field. His absence has been felt in a Carlton backline that desperately needed his height and intercept marking ability.
In 2023, Marchbank played only a handful of games, his impact severely limited by his physical condition. Despite his potential, the club’s patience seemed to have run out, and with the rise of younger defenders such as Jacob Weitering and Lewis Young, the Blues decided it was time to move on.
In addition to Martin and Marchbank, three other players were axed as part of the post-season clean-out. These players, while not as high-profile, were nonetheless important contributors to Carlton’s depth and structure. The decision to part ways with them signals a major shift in the club’s strategy as it looks to rejuvenate its list with younger talent and fresh faces.
One of the other names on the chopping block is Lochie O’Brien, a former first-round draft pick who, like Marchbank, has struggled to live up to his early promise. Drafted in 2017, O’Brien was seen as a key piece of Carlton’s future, but inconsistency and a lack of physical development meant he never cemented a regular spot in the best 22. Despite his potential as an outside midfielder with excellent running ability, O’Brien managed only sporadic appearances in 2023, failing to have the sort of impact that the Blues had hoped for.
Also facing the exit door is veteran ruckman Marc Pittonet, whose future with the club had been the subject of much debate throughout the season. With the rise of young ruck talents like Tom De Koning, Pittonet found himself pushed down the pecking order. Although a solid contributor in past seasons, Pittonet’s game time dwindled in 2023 as the club leaned towards giving more opportunities to its younger players.
The final player axed in the post-season reshuffle is defender Liam Stocker. Stocker, once heralded as a future midfield leader, had been shuffled between positions without ever locking down a role. He showed promise as a half-back but struggled with consistency and form, eventually falling out of favour with the coaching staff.
Carlton’s decision to part ways with five players signals a clear intention to rebuild. The club’s leadership, headed by coach Michael Voss and new list manager Nick Austin, has made it evident that the team is focusing on bringing in fresh talent through the draft and trade period. This approach is designed to build a more sustainable list capable of competing at the highest level over the next few seasons.
With key departures, the Blues will now turn their attention to securing top draft picks and potentially exploring trade options for proven players who can immediately elevate their performance. The club is also expected to be active in the free agency market, looking for players who can fill the gaps left by the departing stars.
Carlton’s reliance on youth in recent seasons, particularly with the development of Sam Walsh, Harry McKay, and Jacob Weitering, shows that the club is capable of nurturing young talent. Now, with more space in the list and salary cap, the Blues will look to add depth in key areas, especially in the midfield and forward lines.
For Carlton fans, the news of these high-profile departures has been met with a mix of emotions. Many supporters were saddened by the exits of players like Jack Martin and Caleb Marchbank, who had become integral figures within the team. There is a strong sense of what could have been, especially with Marchbank, whose potential was never fully realized due to injuries.
However, there is also a sense of optimism among fans. Many are hopeful that these changes signal the beginning of a new era for Carlton, one in which the team can finally break out of the cycle of underachievement and compete for premierships once again. The idea of bringing in new talent, both through the draft and potential trades, has energized the fanbase, who are eager to see how the club’s list will evolv
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Carlton?
As the dust settles on Carlton’s tumultuous 2023 season, the focus now shifts to the future. The club’s bold decision to part ways with several key players indicates that they are committed to making the hard choices necessary to build a more competitive team. With a focus on youth, development, and potentially some shrewd recruiting, the Blues are positioning themselves for long-term success.
The departures of Jack Martin, Caleb Marchbank, and the other axed players are just the first steps in what promises to be a busy off-season for Carlton. The trade period, draft, and free agency market will provide the club with ample opportunities to reshape its list and address the weaknesses that became apparent during the 2023 season.
For the players leaving, the end of their time at Carlton represents both the closing of one chapter and the potential for a fresh start elsewhere. Clubs across the AFL will be keeping a close eye on their availability, and it is likely that they will find new homes where they can once again prove their worth.
As the 2024 season approaches, one thing is clear: Carlton is a club in transition. Whether this new direction will lead to the success that has eluded the Blues for so long remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that significant changes are underway at Ikon Park.
