DOW, Fisher, Kennedy, O’Brien, Petrevski-Seton.
Setterfield.
They’re the six midfielders who have arrived at the Blues since the 2016 AFL draft, and — according to Carlton’s newest recruit — it was a significant reason behind him nominating Ikon Park as his new home.
“It’s a young midfield group at the minute but there’s a lot of ability to build on something and build a midfield for years to come,” Setterfield told 3AW’s Sportsday on Friday.
“It was something for me which was really attractive looking at the football club.”
The former No.5 draft pick secured his preferred move to Carlton late last week, with a future second rounder and pick No.43 making way. The Blues also received pick No.71 from the Giants.
While Setterfield hasn’t played a lot of AFL football, Bluebaggers have every right to be excited by their newest recruit — particularly alongside that list of names.
As he displayed in his underage year of footy, Setterfield has the ability to provide grunt on the inside and class on the outside. Looking long-term, he adds to Carlton’s talent and depth in the middle of the ground.
Speaking after the trade went through last week, Stephen Silvagni said Setterfield’s ability and versatility were key reasons behind the Blues targeting him.
“He’s a tall inside mid, he’s a hybrid that can play inside or outside, he runs really well, has really good hands and can kick a goal,” Silvagni said on NAB AFL Trade Radio.
Coming off a knee injury and being restricted to just two games in his first two seasons, Setterfield has his eyes firmly set on a big future at the Blues — hopefully, starting in Round 1.
Comparisons from his draft year centred around Western Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli. His clearance work, spread across the ground and ability to hit the scoreboard are all features of his game.
He played for no less than five teams back in 2016: Australia, the Allies (under-18 championships), Caulfield Grammar, NSW-ACT and the Sandringham Dragons.
Setterfield’s TAC Cup form saw him kick seven goals from just five full games, as a midfielder who had the propensity to drift forward. Meanwhile, he averaged 20 disposals playing for NSW-ACT in the division two championships.
He showed an ability to step up in big games: in particular, the Dragons’ TAC Cup qualifying final. In that game, he recorded 16 tackles and 10 clearances in a two-point win.
It was the kind of showing which had Carlton bid on him with pick No.5. Now, he’s officially a Bluebagger.
Setterfield will have the perfect mentor, with 23-year-old joint captain Patrick Cripps to provide the experience for Carlton’s new wave in the middle of the ground. Alongside him will be veterans Ed Curnow and Marc Murphy.
While the results may not be immediate, the glimpses have been there.
And as this group begins to play and grow together, Blues fans should be optimistic about their emerging ensemble of midfielders.
