Is this the Blues’ best team of the first quarter of the 21st century? Let the debate begin.
In the countdown to the much-anticipated 2026 season opener with Sydney at the SCG, in a competition which moves so very quickly, it’s timely to ponder, if just for a moment, Carlton’s best 23 of the first quarter of the 21st century.
Of course, there can never be a right answer here, for the selection process is purely subjective. But the following team named for the period 2000-2025 is hopefully an accurate reflection of the selection criteria used.
The team of 18 plus five interchange comprises those who have played a minimum 50 senior matches for Carlton within the 25-year period. Accordingly, Club best and fairests Matthew Allan, Fraser Brown, Chris Judd, Corey McKernan and Stephen Silvagni, together with Brown’s and Silvagni’s 1995 premiership teammates Ang Christou, Dean Rice and Michael Sexton, are all ineligible for selection.
Bradley, Camporeale, Koutoufides, McKay and Ratten pick themselves - each one of them Carlton premiership players, and all earning All-Australian selection in this period. Brownlow Medallist Chris Judd, Coleman Medallists Charlie Curnow and Brendan Fevola, along with Sam Docherty, Matthew Lappin, Marc Murphy and Lance Whitnall, never savoured Carlton Grand Final success but were each recognised with All-Australian selection, while All-Australians Patrick Cripps (the resident Carlton Captain and dual Brownlow Medallist), Harry McKay (a Coleman Medallist in his own rite), Adam Saad, Sam Walsh and Jacob Weitering are all committed to the cause of landing the Blues’ much-anticipated 17th Premiership pennant.
Among the eligible Carlton players who didn’t make the cut include another ’95 premiership player Glenn Manton, John Nicholls Medallists Andrew Carrazzo, George Hewett, Corey McKernan and David Teague, and 201-game player Ryan Houlihan, together with long-time servants including Simon Beaumont, Adrian Hickmott, Jordan Russell, Bret Thornton, Jarred Waite and Simon Wiggins.
Michael Voss, who commandeered Carlton to the 2023 Preliminary Final, earns the status of team coach.
So here goes . . . and feel free to commend or condemn, as your feedback is welcome.
Carlton’s best 23, 2000-2025
Backs: Sam Docherty, Jacob Weitering, Kade Simpson
Half-backs: Andrew McKay, Anthony Koutoufides, Heath Scotland
Centres: Sam Walsh, Patrick Cripps(c), Craig Bradley
Half forwards: Andrew Walker, Charlie Curnow, Brett Ratten
Forwards: Lance Whitnall, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Followers: Matthew Kreuzer, Chris Judd, Marc Murphy
Interchange: Bryce Gibbs, Scott Camporeale, Matthew Lappin, Harry McKay, Adam Saad
Coach: Michael Voss
