Russell: The type of player the Blues and Dees should target

With list management at the forefront approaching the off-season, both Carlton and Melbourne are expected to commence somewhat of an overhaul.

Currently fielding two of the AFL’s most top-heavy lists, the Blues and Dees have failed to nail down on their recent success, winning just six and five games respectively across the course of 2025.

On course to miss finals by some margin, both Carlton coach Michael Voss and Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin remain in the hot seat, with club expectations far outweighing the on-field performances across the season.

As the clubs continue to weigh up deals surrounding hefty contracts and ageing stars, SEN’s Dwayne Russell has offered his opinion as to the type of player both sides need to target across the offseason.

“They need to go and get some good ball users,” Russell told SEN's Dwayne’s World.

“Petracca is great, but there is a lot of target-missers in that Melbourne team, that’s one of the reasons why we talk about their forward line, (the reason it) can’t function is because the inside 50 kick…

“Sometimes the kicker can’t hit the side of a barn let alone hit a player’s chest. We saw it last night with Carlton. I think only four of their first 13 kicks last night hit the target. That’s the issue.

“You’ve got to get out and get some good kickers, and I reckon there are some good kickers out there.”

Beyond elite ball users, Russell believes the club of origin plays a large role in a player’s ability to assimilate to a winning culture.

“If I was a recruiter right now, and this is the way I would add to Carlton’s list and add to Melbourne’s list,” he continued.

“John Noble has been a great addition for the Gold Coast. Joe Richards has been a good edition for Port Adelaide. Both of them came from Collingwood.

“You’ve got to get the spill over from one of the good teams. Don’t go and recruit from one of the lower teams, go and get a spill over.

“Tom Mitchell might be available as a leader, he might not get a game in the finals, and he’s still got a season or two left.

“Can you steal Lachie Sullivan? He might not get a game going forward with Lachie Schultz back. Is there a chance you could go and grab Charlie Dean or Ned Long? could you prize out Ed Allan with a really good contract? Wil Parker (as well)?

“The Cats have got a few. Mitch Knevitt, tall wingman, can’t get a game at the moment. That’s who I’d be targeting.

“Go and get players from the top-end teams, who are coming from really good cultures, and know how to win.”