Blues' future brighter than Pies despite recent success

Source: theage.com.au

TL;DR

• Article argues Carlton Blues hold stronger long-term prospects than Collingwood Magpies despite Pies' recent premierships.
• Blues have 17 players out of contract at end of 2026, plus more first-round draft picks and academy access.
• This list flexibility positions Carlton better for reset as both clubs sit outside top 10 after five rounds.

The story at a glance

Peter Ryan's analysis compares Collingwood Magpies and Carlton Blues ahead of their Thursday night clash, claiming the Blues' future looks brighter due to superior list management options despite the Pies' two flags since Carlton's 1995 premiership. Both teams are outside the top 10 with top-10 aspirations, needing to transition aging lists. It's reported now as both struggle early in the 2026 AFL season.[[1]](https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-pies-have-had-more-modern-day-success-but-the-blues-future-is-brighter-here-s-why-20260414-p5znn1.html)[[2]](https://www.smh.com.au/sport/afl/the-pies-have-had-more-modern-day-success-but-the-blues-future-is-brighter-here-s-why-20260414-p5znn1.html)

Key points

• Collingwood's recent success includes a premiership and two preliminary finals in past four seasons; Carlton reached 2023 preliminary final but has declined.
• Neither has beaten a top-four side this year; Pies lack top-end draft talent since 2022, trading picks for players like Lachie Schultz and Dan Houston.
• Carlton boasts 17 out-of-contract players by end-2026 (Pies have 14); secured long deals for Sam Walsh (2034), Jagga Smith (2030), Jacob Weitering (2031).
• Blues added top-five rated draftees like Cody Walker (father-son potential), Harry Dean, Smith over past three years; hold two first-round picks each next two drafts, one more than Pies.
• Pies' longest contracts end 2030; eyeing free agents like Ben King or Zak Butters as long shots, while veterans like Scott Pendlebury face uncertain futures.
• Carlton debuted 11 players since start of 2025; Pies have five recent debuts, some injury-hit.

Details and context

Both clubs face list transitions, but Carlton's higher number of expiring contracts offers more reset flexibility at end-2026. The Blues' draft advantages include Next Generation Academy prospects Zac McCarthy and Jai Saxena, plus potential father-son Cody Walker—though new rules may not finalize until May amid lobbying.[[1]](https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-pies-have-had-more-modern-day-success-but-the-blues-future-is-brighter-here-s-why-20260414-p5znn1.html)

Collingwood traded away high picks, missing 2024 draft talent like Murphy Reid; their Next-Gen access is limited after missing Gabriel Patterson. Pies focus on key forwards via trade, echoing their 2018 Brody Mihocek move.

Carlton's young core features uncontracted Ollie Hollands (70 games) and prospects like Hudson O’Keeffe; they're prioritizing internal development over big free-agency splashes.

Key quotes

None standout as directly sourced or uniquely revealing beyond the analysis.

Why it matters

List management shapes AFL success over decades, deciding which clubs rebuild effectively or fade. For fans and punters, it signals Carlton as smarter long-term bet despite Collingwood's proven finals edge. Watch end-2026 contracts, draft outcomes, and Thursday's matchup for early clues on trajectories.[[1]](https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-pies-have-had-more-modern-day-success-but-the-blues-future-is-brighter-here-s-why-20260414-p5znn1.html)