The Carlton Football Club has been at the forefront of AFL trade discussions as the 2024 offseason unfolds, with a series of list management decisions causing waves among supporters and analysts alike. The latest news surrounding the Blues suggests that the club is pleased with the development of players like Corey Durdin, Sam Durdin, and Sam Philp, while other seasoned players such as Matthew Kennedy, Matthew Owies, and Lewis Young have been reportedly asked to explore opportunities elsewhere.
The AFL offseason is often marked by tough calls that clubs need to make as they evaluate their list, seeking a balance between experienced players and young talent. For Carlton, a team that has gone through various rebuild phases over the years, it appears that their recent focus is on nurturing the next generation of footballers. This shift can be observed in the club’s faith in players like Corey Durdin, Sam Durdin, and Sam Philp.
Corey Durdin, drafted in 2020, has made significant strides since joining Carlton. The 21-year-old small forward has showcased his ability to create scoring opportunities and apply pressure inside the forward 50. Despite being on the smaller side at 173 cm, Durdin’s speed, agility, and football IQ have made him a valuable asset to the team’s forward line.
Durdin’s 2023 season saw him take further steps in his development, and it appears that Carlton sees him as a long-term option in their forward setup. His tenacity and willingness to learn have reportedly impressed senior coach Michael Voss, who seems keen on retaining the young talent as the club pushes for sustained finals success.
Sam Durdin’s journey has been quite different. The key defender, originally drafted by North Melbourne in 2014, was picked up by Carlton in the 2022 mid-season draft to provide much-needed defensive depth. While Durdin’s appearances have been limited due to injury and competition for spots in Carlton’s backline, the club’s decision to keep him around suggests they see potential value in his role as a backup defender.
Standing at 199 cm, Durdin offers a physical presence and experience that can be crucial in key defensive matchups, especially when the Blues are hit by injuries. Voss’s faith in Durdin might also reflect the club’s broader strategy of ensuring they have adequate depth across all lines, with Durdin being a useful option to step in when required.
Another young player who seems to have earned the club’s confidence is Sam Philp. Drafted in 2019, Philp has struggled with injuries throughout his time at Carlton but has shown flashes of his talent when fit. As a midfielder, Philp brings speed and endurance, and the Blues are reportedly keen to see him get an extended run in the senior side.
Philp’s ability to play both inside and outside roles in the midfield makes him a versatile option for Carlton, and it’s likely that the club sees him as part of their future midfield rotations, alongside established stars like Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh.
While Carlton appears to be happy with the development of these younger players, the club has reportedly informed several experienced players to explore options elsewhere. Among them are Matthew Kennedy, Matthew Owies, and Lewis Young, all of whom have played crucial roles for the Blues in recent seasons.
Matthew Kennedy has been a mainstay in Carlton’s midfield since joining the club in 2018. Known for his toughness and ability to win contested ball, Kennedy has been a reliable player, often stepping up in crucial moments. However, injuries have hampered his consistency, and with Carlton’s midfield depth growing, it appears that the club is open to moving on from the 26-year-old.
Kennedy’s departure would certainly leave a gap in terms of experience, but with the emergence of younger players like Philp, Carlton seems to be looking towards a future midfield mix that prioritizes youth and speed.
Matthew Owies has had a challenging career path, transitioning from basketball to AFL and earning his spot on Carlton’s list through sheer determination. As a small forward, Owies has provided a goal-scoring threat and forward pressure, but like Kennedy, he has struggled with consistency and injuries.
Owies’ departure could signal a shift in Carlton’s forward strategy, with the club likely prioritizing younger options like Corey Durdin in that role. It’s a tough blow for Owies, who worked hard to carve out a place in the AFL, but it’s also a reflection of the ruthless nature of list management in the modern game.
Lewis Young has been a solid contributor in Carlton’s defense since arriving from the Western Bulldogs in 2021. As a versatile key defender, Young has provided valuable cover for Carlton’s backline, but the emergence of other options, combined with the club’s retention of Sam Durdin, suggests that Young may not be part of Carlton’s long-term plans.
Young’s ability to play both as a key defender and as a pinch-hitting ruckman could make him an attractive option for other clubs, and it will be interesting to see if he secures a move during the trade period.
The decisions made by Carlton in this offseason highlight the delicate balancing act that Michael Voss and the club’s list management team must perform. On one hand, they need to retain experienced players who can contribute to the team’s immediate success; on the other, they must build a list capable of sustaining that success over the long term.
Carlton’s apparent willingness to part ways with players like Kennedy, Owies, and Young suggests that Voss is looking to reshape the list in line with his vision for the future. The retention of young players like Corey Durdin, Sam Durdin, and Sam Philp speaks to the club’s belief in its development pathways and its desire to build a team capable of challenging for premierships in the coming years.
Carlton’s 2024 offseason moves are indicative of a club in transition, balancing the need for immediate success with long-term planning. While the departure of experienced players like Kennedy, Owies, and Young may come as a shock to some supporters, it’s clear that the club is committed to its youth-first approach under Michael Voss.
As the trade and draft periods unfold, Carlton will continue to shape its list with the goal of becoming a perennial finals contender. Only time will tell whether these bold decisions will pay off, but one thing is certain: the Blues are not afraid to make the tough calls in pursuit of success.
