CARLTON'S first move of the off-season saw its forward line add a one-two punch.

With the acquisitions of Alex Fasolo and Mitch McGovern, the Blues have welcomed two versatile forwards with the ability to do damage in the air, at ground level and in front of goal. 

As Carlton’s developing forward line continues to emerge, the pair of additions will only add to the Blues’ attacking mix and their ability to kick a winning score.

It’s safe to say that youngsters such as Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay will enjoy the company of Carlton’s two new Western Australian forwards.

Let’s start with Fasolo, who the Blues acquired as a free agent on Wednesday night. While he played the solitary game in 2018 due to a number of factors, the football world knows what he’s capable of. 

He burst onto the scene in 2011, but his work in the three seasons between 2015 and 2017 shouldn’t be understated. With 81 goals from 48 games, he was one of only 22 players in the competition to kick 25 or more goals in each of those three years. 

Following the retirement of Matthew Wright, his acquisition could prove to be a shrewd one as a small forward who can not only kick goals, but assist his teammates. He was Collingwood’s top-ranked forward for score involvements per game in the past three years.

While fitness was an issue for the 26-year-old in the season just gone, he has already spoken of his keenness to work with Carlton’s new Director of High Performance, Andrew Russell.

Then there’s McGovern: Carlton got its man yesterday in a deal which saw two second-round draft picks offloaded to Adelaide. 

Bluebaggers will be excited for years to come at the prospect of a number of high-flying forwards doing the damage. With a trio of Curnow, McGovern and McKay, they’ll get just that. 

In past seasons, the merit of a tall forward line has been evident. 

Hawthorn’s three-peat success saw the likes of Jack Gunston and Jarryd Roughead joined by a resting ruckman. McGovern himself was a critical part of the Adelaide side which made the 2017 Grand Final, which he only missed through injury.

Then, the newest premiership team triumphed with a forward line consisting of Jack Darling, Josh Kennedy, Scott Lycett and Nathan Vardy.

With his contested marking a feature, McGovern plays above his listed height of 190cm. He presents a dangerous match-up for any defender, especially with the AFL’s announcement of a 6-6-6 set-up at centre bounces. 

Six days remain in the NAB AFL Trade Period, with more movement to come. But these two signings present the start of an exciting second phase for the Blues.