HERE'S a look at some key milestones which could be in the offing for Carlton in the 2026 season.
Patrick Cripps, 250 games
Plenty of eyes will be on Patrick Cripps to see if he can reach the 250-game mark in 2026. To date, Cripps has played 230 games in Navy Blue, with 157 of those coming as captain. He needs another 20 to become the 14th player to feature in 250 matches at Carlton, which is currently scheduled for Round 21 against Brisbane at Marvel Stadium.
Blake Acres, 200 AFL games
Having made an impact at his third club since day one, Blake Acres finds himself 13 games shy of a double century heading into the 2026 campaign. It’s been a long journey for the wingman who started out as a Saint and then spent three years with Fremantle before becoming a Blue - at this stage, his 200th game is scheduled to come against Essendon.
Harry McKay, 150 AFL games
It’ll be a long time coming for ‘Big H’ when the 2021 Coleman Medallist chalks up 150 games in the Navy Blue. Entering 2026, Carlton’s No.10 finds himself 10 games shy of the milestone, with the Blues’ home fixture against the Western Bulldogs under the roof the one to circle on the calendar as things stand
Sam Walsh, 150 games
Approaching season number eight in Navy Blue, Sam Walsh will have his sights set on reaching 150 games at the Club he was recruited to with pick No.1 in the 2018 AFL Draft. As things stand, Walsh - who has played 133 games to date - will reach the milestone at the MCG against Hawthorn.
Adam Cerra, 150 AFL games
Needing just two more games to reach 150 at AFL level, it would be quite fitting for Cerra to reach that mark in Round 1 against Richmond. Growing up a Tigers supporter, Cerra made his mark instantly in Navy Blue back in Round 1, 2022, polling three Brownlow votes against the Tigers in his Carlton debut.
Will Hayward (200 AFL games), Ollie Florent (200 games), Nic Newman (150 games)
Triple treat? This would be something. In an ideal world, Will Hayward, Ollie Florent and Nic Newman play every game in 2026 and the Swans-turned-Blues celebrate their 200th, 200th and 150th games respectively when Carlton takes on Richmond in Round 17.
Nick Haynes, 250 AFL games
Not to be outdone, a former adversary of the ex-Sydney trio could also achieve a significant milestone in that Richmond game, with Giant-turned-Blue Nick Haynes needing 16 games to reach 250. Haynes played every game for the Blues in his first season at his new club in 2025.
Mitch McGovern, 100 Carlton games and 150 AFL games
A double up for Gov. Carlton’s No.11 is on the verge of a dual milestone in 2026, as he nears not only a century in the Navy Blue, but also 150 AFL games. McGovern will get his name on the locker after his third game of the season, and just two games afterwards, he’ll chalk up his 150th game.
