Blues plead for a boost

CARLTON is eyeing not just a priority pick but a friendlier draw and a major trade target or two as it seeks a return to competitiveness in 2019.

A tortured two-win season has thrown the Blues into the mix for a league handout — and specifically a priority pick in November’s draft.

Club chief executive Cain Liddle revealed yesterday that any assistance heading their way was likely to be much broader than another firstround selection. The Blues presented to the AFL Commission on Wednesday at a routine meeting between club and league where the subject quickly turned to improving Carlton’s on-field fortunes.

“The AFL has a number of equalisation levers ... special assistance can take a number of forms,” Liddle said.

“Whether that be financial assistance, whether that be fixture assistance, whether that be specific football assistance or masterplan assistance.”

The AFL has not required Carlton to formally ask for a pick, instead asking the club to lay out their situation for their consideration.

Liddle said the club’s presentation was well received, with feedback expected in the next fortnight.

Of the differing avenues for support, Liddle was most certain that relief could be coming from the draw.

“I don’t think I’ll be seeing too many Friday night games. We accept that. We have to take our medicine. We won two games,” he said.

“What I’m hoping that the AFL don’t forget is we’ve got a number of traditional rivalries with big clubs that we don’t want to lose.

“If it’s not going to be Friday night ... they might be on Saturday afternoons.”

The Blues have strung together five seasons without winning more than seven games, and a 55-match run without hitting 100 points.

Liddle said landing a big fish could be something to get Carlton fans fired up for 2019.

“Three years ago we came up with a plan to go to three drafts. It looks like we’ve done a reasonable job of that in terms of the players we’ve brought in,” he said.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt, and [list manager Stephen Silvagni’s] very clear view is we need a more balanced approach.”