CRIPPS. Curnow. Saad. Walsh. Weitering.
Five Carlton players have been named in the All-Australian squad, ahead of Wednesday’s final team announcement.
Expanded from a squad of 40 to one of 44 this year, the handful of Carlton players named have been included for their standout roles played over the course of the season.
Captain Patrick Cripps was one of the dominant inside midfielders across the competition this season, ranked third in the competition for contested possessions and clearances per game. He also recorded a career-best 20 goals this season, doing the damage both inside the contest and on the scoreboard.
Speaking of players who featured on the scoresheet to maximum effect, no player in the AFL was more prominent in front of goal than Coleman Medallist, Charlie Curnow.
Recording 64 goals for the season, it was a stunning comeback year for the enigmatic Carlton forward, who committed his future to the Club last week for an additional six seasons.
"I really want to pay them back. That is why I've done this.
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) August 19, 2022
"I want to show the Club that I care about them and I care about the fans."
A snippet of Charlie's first interview after signing on for the long term. 🥲
Touted as one of the most electrifying players across the league, Adam Saad’s combination of offence and defence was on full display for the Blues in season 2022.
Ranked No.1 for bounces (more than double the next best) while also ranking sixth for total intercepts, Saad’s ability to lock down his direct opponent and get the Blues’ offence going from the back half was second to none.
On the back of last year’s All-Australian selection, Sam Walsh once again contributed a consistent season for Carlton, in a year where he didn’t drop below 25 disposals across his 20 games.
He averaged the most uncontested possessions per game this season and second for effective disposals, using his running power to transition from his starting position across half forward to have an impact as a midfielder around the ground.
Jacob Weitering has also received his third consecutive All-Australian squad nomination as he looks for his first blazer.
With 18 games under his belt this season, Weitering typically took some significant scalps while holding down the defensive fort in his new role as co-vice captain alongside Walsh.
Cripps (two previous selections) and Walsh (one previous selection) are looking to return to the All-Australian side on Wednesday night, while the other Navy Blue trio will each be looking for their first selections.
