Carlton's finals aspirations for 2026

[pressurepoint]

To justify why CFC will perform better in 2026, compare this list of 2025 issues in rough chronological order

• Newman ACL
• President sexting scandal
• Walsh ankle
• Jagga smith ACL
• McKays month of stress leave
• Elijah Hollands indefinite leave
• Cotterel injuries
• Walsh reinjury
• OFarrell ACL
• Curnow and Cripps playing injured throughout.

I can’t remember a worse year, off field wise. Heaps of bad luck.

 

[LeBronco]

The competition is very even and most teams are capable of finishing top 8. I don't see why Carlton can't finish top 8 and push for top 4 as they've made the right moves on/off field and history is littered with teams that finish top 4 after missing finals the previous year.

Most recent examples of this being Adelaide and Collingwood who made top 4 in 2025 after missing finals in 2024, Geelong who made top 4 in 2024 after missing finals in 2023 and Port Adelaide who made top 4 in 2023 after missing finals in 2022.

 

[timokane]

Not in 2026.

Still got 2028 pencilled in to make it to say 7th.

In a period of transition

See Collingwood in 2020 and 2021

Carlton 2026 and 2027.

Thinking as well in 12 months they will be in the market for a new coach.

2026 the bones will be laid for another shot at finals in say 2028.

No bottom out but a stagnate period for 2 years.

2028 is time to make it again.

Similar paths to Collingwood in a way.

But Collingwood still have 2023 in the bank.

Takes a flag win first.

Then you embark on another.

 

[Fadge]

Similar paths to Collingwood in a way.

In what universe has Carlton's path been similar to that of Collingwood, at any time this century?

 

[Red_man2008]

Carlton related page number 2

 

[Mr.X]

Carlton’s biggest issue over modern times is handling pressure, fortunately we will start 2026 with little expectation, hopefully our games get hidden off spotlight in the Saturday night graveyard shift and we get to coast along under the radar..

Absolutely, blues will head into 2026 without the pressure of expectation.

last season was a huge reality check, and proves that while it’s tough to get to top 4, it’s even harder to stay there and be a contender

 

[LeBronco]

Absolutely, blues will head into 2026 without the pressure of expectation.

last season was a huge reality check, and proves that while it’s tough to get to top 4, it’s even harder to stay there and be a contender

Carlton could push for top 4 if the cards fall their way but the same could be said for a handful of teams in the middle rungs of the ladder. Looking at St Kilda, Sydney and Port Adelaide who are all capable even Melbourne could be a surprise packet with a new coach and game plan.

 

[5minutes_of_Dew]

Carlton are a better chance to finish bottom 4 than they are top 4.

They won't though, they'll flounder mid table along with their fellow "big 4" Essendon.

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

Carlton are a better chance to finish bottom 4 than they are top 4.

They won't though, they'll flounder mid table along with their fellow "big 4" Essendon.

And that would worry us why?

 

[Fadge]

And that would worry us why?

It wouldn't worry you.

Carlton celebrate a mid table finish in the same way other supporters celebrate flags.

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

It wouldn't worry you.

Carlton celebrate a mid table finish in the same way other supporters celebrate flags.

Way to answer the question...

 

[Cam Payne]

Carlton appointing Simpson as head of Michael Voss should take all the pressure off Voss and as such the blues are now a sure thing.

 

[PowerfulPies2023]

Premiers

 

[Mr.X]

Carlton are a better chance to finish bottom 4 than they are top 4.

Agreed, blues are more likely to fall away in ‘26, and are a long way from being top 4 worthy

This is the exciting part, knowing that the next tilt is well setup

 

[5minutes_of_Dew]

Carlton appointing Simpson as head of Michael Voss should take all the pressure off Voss and as such the blues are now a sure thing.

I'd say him being appointed actually piles even more pressure on Voss because they'll then have a ready made replacement whenever things go south.