There is a plethora of reasons for Carlton’s inconsistencies since the bye. Whether it be a harder draw, injuries or oppositions simply figuring out their gameplan, one thing is undisputable – Carlton lack experience.
Currently, Carlton only has two players with more than 200 games of experience on their list.
Only nine players have played finals football. Six of those are defenders and the three others are midfielders.
Admittedly, this will change if the Blues hold onto eighth position this weekend, however, it would still be in the club’s best interest to go shopping for some experience in this year’s trade period.
Luke Breust is the perfect target for the born-again Blues. The triple premiership player would fill two needs for Michael Voss. One being his mentorship and experience in the forward half, and the other being his goalkicking prowess that has seen him be Hawthorn’s leading goalkicker four times in the last five years.
Recruiting Breust would allow Carlton the luxury similar to what the Brisbane Lions experienced when they recruited Luke Hodge and Grant Birchall.
The former rookie pick would also be integral in the development of Carlton’s young small forwards Jesse Motlop, Corey Durdin and Matt Owies.
Current Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell previously spoke on Sportsday about Breust’s work as a leader at the ‘Family Club’.
‘He’s a fantastic mentor for some of our younger players.’
‘When a guy like Sam Butler turns up to the club, he has no idea how to kick a left-foot snap. You would’ve seen a Will Day left-foot snap last week. All of that comes from a Luke Breust coaching session.’
Given Breust was reportedly close to exiting the Hawks during last year’s trade period, Carlton would be silly not to approach the 259 gamer during this year’s off season.
If they are serious about making an impact in September in the next couple of years, Luke Breust would be a good starting point for the famous old dark Blues.