AFL 2024: Carlton needs to search for more pace, says Stephen Kernahan

Carlton great Stephen Kernahan says the Blues need to target leg speed to complement their “midfield warriors” as he remains optimistic they will be legitimate flag contenders next season.

The Blues’ all-time leading goalkicker and most recent premiership captain said there had been a clear turning point in the season where Carlton had lost form and confidence in the round 17 defeat to GWS.

After leading that game by 33 points at quarter-time, the Blues went on to lose seven of their next nine games as they only just scraped into the top eight and were humbled by eventual premier Brisbane in an elimination final.

“We were 11-4 after 15 games, second on the ladder and going OK – I’ll never forget the swing the next week,” Kernahan said.

“We played GWS, we were up eight goals to three at quarter-time, and then they kicked 14 of the next 17 after the break and we fell short.”

Kernahan said a spate of injuries had a role in preventing the Blues from being “the best version of ourselves” at the season’s end, but identified a need for more speed off halfback and through the middle of the ground.

Ollie Hollands was shifted from a wing to spend periods at halfback late in the season as Adam Saad appeared affected by injury, while Blues coach Michael Voss showed concern over speed in his midfield rotation through a reluctance to play George Hewett and Matthew Kennedy together.

Kennedy, who is contracted for 2025, has reportedly been told to explore his options, while medium-sized forward Matt Owies has not yet been offered a new deal.

Carlton’s trade focus appears to remain on Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston, who is not renowned for his speed but is a penetrating right-foot kick.

“Hopefully there’s something around to add to the team – a bit of leg speed around those warriors in the middle, a bit of run off halfback, and a fit Charlie (Curnow) and Harry (McKay), that will help next year, I reckon,” Kernahan said.

“I don’t think we’re the slowest side in the league – we proved last year we can look quick when we’re going well.

“Every time a team is playing well, you look quick, and we certainly did a year ago.

“We can win the footy, but we just need to deliver and finish off, and I’m sure they’ll be looking at everything – halfback, defence, through the middle, to get better.”

Kernahan, who was Carlton’s president for six years from 2008-14, said he was buoyed by the performances of younger players in the round 23 away win over West Coast, which the Eagles had entered as favourites.

“I don’t blame injuries every time, but we had a lot of injuries (after round 22), 17 or 18,” he said.

“I went over to Perth to see our last game … that was a bunch of kids – half the team out there were kids and we got up there and won that day.

“They couldn’t sustain it in a final against Brisbane, who ended up going on to win it, but look, we need to get our full squad on the park to be the best versions of ourselves.”