“A REALLY good mix.”

When Leigh Adams was appointed as one of Carlton’s new assistant coaches, there were some very obvious names that he couldn’t wait to get to work with.

As part of the Blues’ revamped coaching structure for 2026, Adams will be the Club’s midfield assistant coach, working closely with Tim Clarke who will be tasked with leading midfield stoppage and structure.

When the prospect of heading to IKON Park first popped up, Adams cast a mind to working with the likes of dual Brownlow Medallist Patrick Cripps, Gary Ayres Medallist Sam Walsh and reigning John Nicholls Medallist George Hewett.

For someone who has been a senior coach in local football, VFL football and even on an interim basis at AFL level, the opportunity to have a fresh lens and work with the wider group is something which Adams is keen to get stuck into.

“I’m really passionate about the midfield group, and I’m hoping to work with some really good players here at the Carlton Footy Club - that’s one thing that really excited me,” Adams said.

“I’ll come in early days and build relationships as quickly as possible, I’ve spoken to most of the guys through text or on the phone and it seems like a great bunch of guys.

“I’m looking forward to getting in and building on what has been a really strong midfield group for the last four years - hopefully we can get back to the heights we’ve seen over the last few years.”

Looking to add layers to the group and team’s game, Adams is keen for the Carlton midfield group to retain the power and brutal nature which has been a hallmark of the Blues’ best performances under Michael Voss in recent seasons.

He said the Blues would also look to draw on the reigning premiers as an example of striking the balance between contested ball winners plus the added polish to take the ball from inside the contest to the outside space.

“I can’t see it changing too much, when you’ve got players of that ilk with Cripps and Hewett as your big bulls in there. It seems like a really good mix with Cerra and Walsh, and I’m looking forward to seeing Jagga Smith out there - I think all Carlton supporters will be looking forward to seeing him go through there.

“We’ve got to make sure we get the mix right, of blokes who can go in there and be really strong and contested, but also get the balance of modern-day footy by being able to get out and run.

“We saw that in the finals. You look at Brisbane who has the mix of Josh Dunkley who’s really strong inside, but then the ability of Zac Bailey and Ashcroft and these guys to get the balance of inside and out.

“That’ll be really crucial to the success of this footy club.”