2013 preview: Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson says Mick Malthouse can lead the Blues to the top four.
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse carries the expectations of Blues fans in 2013. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun
That's possibly the biggest question in the AFL this season, and the answer might be known sooner rather than later.
The Blues face four of last year's finalists in the first five rounds, opening their season against Richmond (MCG), Collingwood (MCG), Geelong (Etihad Stadium), West Coast (Patersons Stadium) and Adelaide (MCG).
If Carlton takes some time to get used to a new game plan, Mick will be at his prickly best by the end of April.
If they Blues get off to a flying start, the bandwagon will be hard to stop (but Mick will still be prickly).
The NAB Cup signs are very positive, especially last weekend's demolition of Fremantle, a side Carlton will be hoping to displace from the top eight this year.
Malthouse has the Blues playing more along the boundary line and kicking longer and more often - no surprises there.
Exclusive video: See Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson answer the hard questions on the Blues in the video player above
His most significant move might be moving Bryce Gibbs from a floating role across half-back into the guts.
Gibbs was a gun contested ball winner in his junior days and is ready to remind the footy world why he was picked at No.1 in the 2006 national draft.
Don't listen to the critics who say he's soft - he already leads the NAB Cup for clearances.
Add Chris Judd (yet to make a pre-season appearance), a fully fit Marc Murphy and a reborn Brock McLean and it's a potent midfield mix with the likes of Andrew Carrazzo, Kade Simpson and Mitch Robinson providing more than handy support.
In fact, the stats gurus at Champion Data rank the Blues' onball division the best in the competition.
See our top Carlton SuperCoach picks here
That's where flags are won, but to pull it off this year Carlton will need Lachie Henderson to take another step up to hold down a key defensive post and someone to stand up at the other end of the ground.
The No.1 candidate, Jarrad Waite, played just 11 games last season and is already out for the first couple of rounds this year.
If he's not right the goals will have to come from a mix of genius small forward Eddie Betts, young big man Levi Casboult and a resting ruckman - Matthew Kreuzer, Shaun Hampson or Robbie Warnock.
Plenty there for Mick to work with.
See our previous team previews here:
Adelaide - Tippett leaves a huge hole
Brisbane Lions - Fate rests on Browny's shoulders
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