The Pies have had more modern-day success, but the Blues’ future is brighter. Here’s why

April 15, 2026 — 5:30am

You have reached your maximum number of saved items.

Remove items from your saved list to add more.

Save this article for later

Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime.

Carlton have greater flexibility than Collingwood to reset their list at the end of 2026 as the two powerhouse rivals head into Thursday night’s blockbuster outside the top 10 after five matches.

Both have top-10 aspirations, with the Magpies aiming even higher after a premiership and two preliminary final losses in the past four seasons. Carlton made the preliminary final in 2023 when Collingwood won the flag, but have slid since.

Neither team has beaten a genuine top-four contender this season and both will need to transition their lists as they move into a new era.

The Blues have 17 players out of contract at the end of 2026 after securing midfielders Sam Walsh and Jagga Smith on long-term deals in March while also having two first-round picks in each of the next two seasons.

‘Same as Carlton’: Why the Bombers and Blues are on the same page for this AFL fight

Carlton are nervously awaiting the release of new draft rules, which will determine the draft price they will need to pay to secure highly rated father-son Cody Walker, who showed explosive speed out of the middle when playing for the AIS-AFL Academy against North Melbourne VFL team on Sunday.

Two competition sources speaking on condition of anonymity suggested changes may not be finalised........

© Brisbane Times