Season preview - Carlton

*Full disclosure time. As a Collingwood supporter I absolutely loathe Carlton.

Essential Information:

Coach: Brett Ratten (6^th season)

2011 season: 14 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw (5^th Overall)

Player changes

In: Josh Bootsma, Dylan Buckley, Sam Rowe

Out: Mark Austin, Ryan Houlihan, Setanta O’hAilpin

Players to watch:

Jarrad Waite: Seems an odd choice given Cartlon's A-grade midfield and Waite's penchant for hitting people and getting injured, but Waite is key to Carlton's success as a genuine forward option over 6 foot tall.

Chris Judd: Somewhat less of a surprise, the captain is one of the premier midfielders in the AFL. Ability to win the ball almost unmatched, but Carlton would dearly love to find another in-and-under player to help out Judd, enabling him to play more like his days at West Coast. Although Carlton says otherwise, simply it's No Judd, No Carlton.

Questions to ask Carlton supporters:

• How good was last years final against Essendon?
• Mark Murphy or Chris Judd?

Question not to ask:

• So as punishment for rorting the system, you got three consecutive No.1 draft picks? 
• Are you guys still coming?

Prediction: There is a lot of optimism regarding Carlton this year, with many pundits going as far as predicting the Blues being potential grand finalists this season. While this is certainly not out of the question, it will rely on unproven tall forwards and an occasionally suspect defence having great seasons. If they can keep their key position players healthy, a top four finish is realistic as their midfield is the equal of any. Evidenced by their poor preseason form, injuries to their key players have already hampered the Blues, which is vital they overcome, as Carlton needs all it's players firing to break into the top four and to beat rival top four sides, both of which they were unable to do in 2011. Top six