THE mix and balance of the Club’s youth and experience is one of the most-exciting aspects about Carlton’s 2019, according to assistant coach John Barker.
The stoppage coach at the Blues, Barker has seen first-hand the development of Carlton’s next generation of midfielders, having overseen the likes of Marc Murphy and Patrick Cripps in recent years.
He said the way in which the new midfielders had been guided by their older teammates and made an early impact was something that had buoyed the coaching staff.
“We know we’re got a fair portion in the younger space, but the responsibility then falls on those senior guys to fast-track the education and development of the younger players,” Barker said.
“There’s obviously some new players that we’ve drafted in, and we’ve got our second, third and fourth-year players.
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“Our senior players have been really good in trying to fast-track them.”
Arguably more than any other group, Barker has seen an influx of young talent come into his line of players over recent years.
And with the likes of Liam Stocker and Sam Walsh being added to the mix just a few months ago, it’s only added to a group of players who will build together for years to come.
“Sammy Walsh has been impressive as our first pick in the draft — he’s an overlap player, he runs really well and he’s good in the contest,” he said.
“Liam Stocker is a bit more of a contest player, he has come in as a stronger body and has also been impressive so far… That youth element provides a lot of excitement and energy.”
One player who took a leap last year was Zac Fisher, who — despite an injury setback late in the piece — emerged as an exciting player for the future in navy blue.
Barker said the dynamic midfielder was looking to pick up from where he left off in 2018.
“Zac Fisher has been progressing well throughout the pre-season. He’s another one of our players who is learning how to take that next step in terms of work-rate and two-way running,” he said.
“His contest work has been really good and we know how sharp and quick he is around the contest. That’s been something he’s been really strong at this pre-season.”
Barker said the focus had been a simple one this pre-season across the board.
“We were pretty keen to get the players working harder and harder again, since they’ve been back from Christmas,” he said.
“It provides a real foundation for our system and everything that comes off the back of that from a football perspective.
“There’s no substitute for hard work, we’ve got a real focus on that.”
