Carlton Football Club Announces Major List Changes Following 2024 AFL Season: Cuningham, Marchbank, Martin, Mirkov, and Akuei Depart
The Carlton Football Club has officially announced a series of significant list changes following the conclusion of the 2024 AFL season, confirming the departure of five players: **David Cuningham, Caleb Marchbank, Jack Martin, Alex Mirkov, and Dom Akuei**. These moves come as the club looks to retool its playing list in preparation for the 2025 season, with a focus on building a team that can continue its progression up the AFL ladder.
This sweeping update signals a new chapter for Carlton, one of the AFL’s most storied clubs. After a season that saw both highs and lows, including moments of promise and flashes of brilliance, the club’s management has taken the decision to make key changes, likely in the hopes of introducing new talent and improving overall list balance. The departure of players who have been part of the Carlton setup for years, like Cuningham, Marchbank, and Martin, is a poignant reminder of the challenging decisions clubs face when looking to enhance performance on and off the field.
In this article, we will explore the significance of these changes, reflect on the careers of the departing players, and consider the implications for Carlton’s list management strategy moving forward. We’ll also look at what this could mean for the club’s future as it seeks to solidify itself as a genuine contender in the AFL landscape.
1. David Cuningham: A Career Hampered by Injuries
David Cuningham’s departure from Carlton marks the end of a chapter that was filled with potential but marred by injuries. Drafted by the Blues with pick No. 23 in the 2015 AFL Draft, Cuningham was seen as a bright prospect with pace and agility, capable of making an impact through the midfield and forward lines. However, despite showing flashes of brilliance, his career never truly took off due to a string of injuries that limited his ability to consistently perform at the highest level.
Over his tenure at Carlton, Cuningham played 51 games, struggling to stay fit throughout most seasons. His best year arguably came in 2020, when he was able to put together a stretch of games that highlighted his speed, clean ball use, and knack for hitting the scoreboard. Unfortunately, he suffered repeated setbacks, including hamstring injuries, which saw him miss large chunks of the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
The decision to part ways with Cuningham is a difficult one for both the player and the club. At 27 years of age, he still has time to reignite his career, potentially at another AFL club or in a state league, but his departure reflects Carlton’s need to move forward with a list that offers greater reliability and depth. For Cuningham, his tenure with the Blues will be remembered as one of unfulfilled potential, where injuries prevented him from realizing the heights he was capable of.
2. Caleb Marchbank: A Story of Perseverance Amid Injury Woes
Caleb Marchbank’s journey with Carlton has been one of persistence in the face of adversity. Originally drafted by the GWS Giants in 2014 before moving to Carlton in 2016, Marchbank was heralded as a future star key defender. With strong marking ability, composure under pressure, and excellent intercept skills, Marchbank appeared to be a vital cog in Carlton’s future defensive structure.
However, like Cuningham, Marchbank’s career has been severely impacted by injuries. Since joining the Blues, he managed just 60 games across eight seasons, spending more time in the rehabilitation group than on the field. His most notable injury struggles have involved knee, neck, and back issues, which have forced him to undergo multiple surgeries and extensive recovery periods. In 2018, he played a career-best 16 games, showcasing his ability to intercept marks and provide stability in defense, but that season would prove to be one of the few where he was able to string together consistent performances.
Despite his undeniable talent, the club has made the difficult decision to part ways with Marchbank, likely recognizing that the key defender has struggled to maintain his fitness long enough to play a sustained role in their plans. His departure signals a turning point for Carlton’s defensive unit, as they may look to younger, more durable players to build their backline around. Marchbank’s exit is a bittersweet moment, as the club and its supporters undoubtedly hoped for more from a player with such high potential.
3. Jack Martin: A Mixed Tenure with Carlton
Jack Martin’s time at Carlton has been a rollercoaster, marked by moments of brilliance, inconsistency, and injuries. After a high-profile move from the Gold Coast Suns via the 2019 pre-season draft, Martin was expected to bring experience, versatility, and goal-scoring prowess to the Blues. Known for his ability to play both as a forward and in the midfield, Martin was seen as a key addition to Carlton’s rebuild under coach David Teague at the time.
In his first season at the club, Martin made an immediate impact, particularly in the early rounds of 2020, where his attacking flair, clean ball skills, and pressure inside the forward 50 made him a fan favorite. However, his form dipped in subsequent years, with injuries limiting his availability and consistency. Over four seasons at Carlton, Martin played 55 games and kicked 50 goals, but he was often criticized for failing to deliver on his considerable talent on a week-to-week basis.
At his best, Martin was an electric forward capable of game-changing moments, but his inability to maintain a high level of form and fitness meant that he never quite became the player Carlton hoped he would be. His departure leaves a hole in the Blues’ forward line, but it also creates opportunities for younger players to step up and take on greater responsibilities. For Martin, a fresh start elsewhere could reinvigorate his career, as he still possesses the talent to make an impact in the AFL.
4. Alex Mirkov: The Untapped Potential of a Developing Ruckman
Alex Mirkov’s time at Carlton was always seen as a long-term project. The 210cm ruckman, who was recruited from the VFL in 2021, was viewed as a player with raw potential, given his size and athleticism. Coming from a non-traditional football background, Mirkov was drafted as a mature-age player with the hope that he could develop into a dominant ruckman at AFL level.
However, despite showing glimpses of promise in the VFL and during his limited appearances for Carlton, Mirkov never fully established himself as a consistent AFL player. His departure reflects the reality that Carlton is looking for more immediate impact players in their quest for success. While Mirkov may still have untapped potential, his time at Carlton will be remembered as one of experimentation and development rather than an established AFL career. His next steps may include finding a new AFL club or returning to state-level football to further hone his craft.
5. Dom Akuei: The End of a Promising Journey
Dom Akuei, a Category B rookie, departs Carlton after being part of the club’s developing list for two seasons. As a key defender and versatile athlete, Akuei was seen as a long-term project, much like Mirkov. Coming from a basketball background, Akuei’s athleticism and agility were his standout traits, but he struggled to break into the senior side consistently.
His departure marks the end of a promising journey with the Blues, but he remains a player with potential that could be unlocked with more time and development. Whether he finds another AFL opportunity or continues his football career at a lower level, Akuei’s departure underscores Carlton’s need for immediate contributors rather than long-term projects as they look to build a competitive side in 2025.
The Implications for Carlton’s List Management Strategy
The departure of Cuningham, Marchbank, Martin, Mirkov, and Akuei signals a clear shift in Carlton’s list management strategy. After years of rebuilding and development, the club appears ready to move into a phase where it prioritizes players who can offer immediate, reliable contributions. With a core group of star players like Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh, and Charlie Curnow leading the charge, Carlton is positioning itself to challenge for finals and premierships in the near future.
By making these changes, the club is likely aiming to free up salary cap space and open up list spots for new talent. The Blues may look to the trade period, free agency, or the AFL Draft to bring in players who can complement their existing core and address specific needs across the field.
Carlton’s willingness to part ways with players who have been integral to the club’s culture and rebuild, particularly Martin and Marchbank, reflects their desire to build a more competitive and balanced squad moving forward. These decisions, while difficult, are a necessary part of the club’s quest to remain competitive and build towards sustained success in the AFL.
A New Era Beckons
The 2024 AFL season has come to an end, and with it, a new era begins for Carlton Football Club. The departures of Cuningham, Marchbank, Martin, Mirkov, and Akuei are a reminder that the AFL is a cutthroat business, where clubs must make tough decisions in the pursuit of success. For Carlton, these list changes represent an opportunity to reshape their roster and build a team that can take the next step toward premiership contention.
As the club moves forward into the off-season, all eyes will be on how they navigate the trade and draft periods to strengthen their list. The departure of these players opens the door for new recruits, emerging stars, and younger talent to step up and seize their opportunity in 2025. Carlton fans will be hoping that the club’s bold list management
