Mission possible: Blues can make finals, as new realism takes root

May 30, 2026 — 6:45pm

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The final 10 was invented for the precise situation that the Carlton Football Club occupy, ensuring that fans of such a club are energised throughout the winter months.

To make the eight from 14th with 12 games left is like abseiling the Matterhorn – there’s little margin for a slip. You’d probably need to win 10 out of 12 to be confident of making it.

But 10th is not such a stretch – harder than walking up Mount Dandenong, sure, but achievable if they hold the improved form and emancipated mindset evident since Michael Voss’ dignified exit.

Carlton’s next four games are against bottom eight sides – Essendon, GWS, West Coast (in Melbourne) and Richmond. On form, they should win at least three; if they overcome the Giants and the bottom three, Josh Fraser will be getting free lattes in Lygon Street, even if he sticks to his stance that he won’t be a candidate for the coaching vacancy.

Giddy Carlton folk will recall they were similarly placed at this point of 2023, when Voss was first in the firing line; they were 14th with four wins, seven losses and a draw. This worsened to 4-8 and a draw after 13 games. As we know, they stormed home to win nine of 10, and made the preliminary final.

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Carlton’s........

© The Sydney Morning Herald