IDENTITY and alignment. 

Carlton's leaders were all singing from the same hymn sheet when they addressed the Navy Blue faithful at the 2026 John Nicholls Medal.

Taking to the stage at various points of the night, President Rob Priestley, AFL Senior Coach Josh Fraser and captain Patrick Cripps spoke of the need to take the lessons from 2026 - the good and the bad - to help springboard the Blues following a positive surge of momentum to close the year.

AFL Senior Coach, Josh Fraser

Excerpt: "We have work ahead of us. The improvement we made should not be discounted and our playing group deserves a lot of credit.

"It’s less about what we say we are going to do and more about what we are going to action.

"We must continue to be driven by a process and the pursuit of improvement. I believe this is what lays the foundation for success. I believe this is what lays the foundation for success. We must be prepared to embrace everything that gets thrown at us and attack every challenge with a competitive character that resembles our identity. Again, this has to be demonstrated through our actions."

Captain, Patrick Cripps

Excerpt: "I have a great feeling of confidence and belief of what we are about, what we stand for and the brand that makes us a good side. As we know, nothing in life is given or guaranteed and you have to continue to show up, do the work and earn the right to go again.

"Up the ‘Baggers."

President, Rob Priestley

Excerpt: "Carlton people have made an extraordinary impact this year.

"Across our footy program, there is a clear Carlton first approach, a united approach. These are qualities which are going to remain critical for us in taking our club further forward."