New Leaders ... Mick Malthouse and Marc Murphy will steer the Blues into 2013. Source: JULIAN SMITH / AAP
The AFL season begins on Friday. We get you ready for the opening bounce by taking a look at all the teams and their prospects for 2013.
JUST IN THE MICK OF TIME
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While Carlton are at pains to not disrespect the former coaching staff headed by Brett Ratten, Malthouse has brought genuine excitement to Visy Park. He has also quickly built relationships with his troops, although he made it very clear that mediocrity will not be tolerated when Mitch Robinson was called in after his self described "hiccup" at the Big Day Out concert.
The Malthouse expectation is he needs to find 15 per cent improvement in the Carlton team to take them to winning 12-13-14 games, instead of the 11 wins and 10th placing in 2012.
Such is his belief in a tried and tested game plan that Malthouse believes it can lead to significant improvement. He also sees consistency in selection will provide the confidence that has been lacking in some. As to how advanced the Blues will be early, it comes down to them having no choice given an exceptionally difficult start to the season where they play Richmond, Collingwood, Geelong, West Coast and Adelaide in their first five matches.
So what do they need to improve? A tall defender (maybe Matthew Watson) to step up and help out Michael Jamison and Lachie Henderson. And a tall forward, possibly Sam Rowe or Luke Mitchell, to ease the burden on Jarrad Waite. Fix those two and get consistent seasons from two of Matthew Kreuzer, Shaun Hampson or Robbie Warnock and September is beckoning.
FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH
A former football player who was also an elite junior distance runner, Bell's 95kg frame means he is well placed to compete with the ever-growing midfield bodies at rival clubs. Needs to improve his disposal but has been a stand-out track worker over summer. Another poster boy for mature-aged recruits.
Could be the player every team desires as in a marking forward who can go into the ruck (i.e. Jarryd Roughead, Kurt Tippett). The Blues are genuinely excited by the boy from Beaconsfield who can take a good grab and who relishes the contest. Casboult is also a good mover considering his 198cm frame and has been working hard on his disposal.
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JEFF GARLETT
Last season for 'Jeffy' was below his electric best of 2011 (48 goals) and 2010 (39). But he is very much in the plans of his new coach and has impressed over pre-season. His fitness levels will enable him to push up the ground where the Blues are hoping he can become a Lewis Jetta-type.
The fascinating part of the Gibbs evolution is where will his new coach play him? The 24-year-old has flagged a desire to become a genuine midfielder and has shed his leadership duties to concentrate solely on becoming the best he can be. His precise kicking into the forward 50m is so important in today’s game.
At 21 still a kid and one who hasn't had an uninterrupted crack due to serious injuries. At 198cm he can take a power grab and kicks straight. He is also seen as a natural leader and one of the few extroverts on the Carlton list. All he needs now is to show he belongs at senior level.
Jon Anderson's forecast: 3rd-4th
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