Retired Carlton champion Chris Judd has urged his former club to rebuild its playing list as quickly as possible - but without taking any shortcuts.
Judd's mid-year retirement with a serious knee injury was one of many lows in a season that saw the Blues finish bottom and embark on an extensive list rebuild.
But while the dual Brownlow medallist says brave decisions must be made for the long-term success of the club, he admits the Blues face a tricky balancing act working towards that goal while appeasing an impatient fan base.
"I don't know that you need to put time limits on it but my own personal belief is that the answer is 'as quickly as possible'," Judd said at the launch of his biography ‘Inside' on Wednesday.
"You make long-term decisions and you try to get the group to have the ability to have sustained success and you do it as quickly as humanly possible.
"Whether that takes 12 months, 36 months or five years - that's anyone's guess - but I don't see why you have to put a timeframe on it."
Chris Judd signs a copy of his newly launched autiobiography 'Inside'. (Photo: Carlton Football Club)
Judd played 279 games in stints with West Coast and Carlton in a decorated career that ended when he ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament against Adelaide at the MCG in round 10.
After captaining the Eagles to the 2006 premiership, he had Victorian clubs clambering for his signature at the end of 2007 when he announced his intention to return to his home state.
He spoke with Melbourne, Essendon and Collingwood before settling on the Blues where he played in six finals in eight years - never progressing past the semi-final stage.
The Magpies tasted premiership success during that time but Judd says he has no regrets.
"I and everyone at the club would have loved to have had some more success but I still feel that footy club is so special," he said.
"It really is a part of my DNA. To be a Carlton captain and to be a part of that club forever is something special to me.
"I'm happy with the choice. I would've liked some more success but I'll always be really proud of my time at Carlton.
"I'll have an involvement with them for the rest of my life."
