CHRIS Judd has yet to represent Carlton in a genuine contest, but the heavy investment in the superstar is reaping rewards already. And there is plenty more to come.
Judd has given hope to the once proud club that sagged to its knees and took a kicking from plenty while in its vulnerable state. And unless you have hope in a football club, you have nothing. The Blues over the past half dozen years were hopeless. Those in senior roles — think Elliott, Collins, Smorgon, Pagan, Malouf and Whitnall — looked tired and conflicted. There was no direction, vibrancy or confidence to be found at Princes Park, let alone the arrogance and strut that was often there in abundance. Now all that's changed.
The place is now full of energetic coaches and on-field leaders. There is a positivity that chance has bought, and the man leading the charge is Judd.
Footballers don't get carried away with the talents of their peers like the fans do.
Rarely are players in awe of each other. There are two players in the AFL, who among the players, stand head and shoulders above the rest. One is Judd, the other is Brisbane Lion Jonathan Brown. They are totally respected. Although only 24, Judd has done the lot. Premiership, captaincy, best and fairest, All-Australian, Brownlow. And he does it in style. No lairising, whingeing or ego.
Just solid-gold football output on-field, and impeccable behaviour off.
While he is smart enough to have other interests away from the game, he knows it is his core business and gives his preparation 100%. Young and not-so-young Blues will follow his example on the track, in the gym and at the dining table.
On-field, Judd's repeat efforts, gut-busting running, desperation to break tackles and sublime skills will have the likes of Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Setanta O'hAilpin and even veteran defender Bret Thornton wide-eyed in amazement.
Should he have been made captain without yet playing a game for the club? Of course. He is the best player, leader and ambassador that the Blues have and could well steer the ship for the next eight years.
On-field, Judd will ensure that the Blues will have one of the best midfields. Youngsters in Murphy, Gibbs and Luke Blackwell will learn plenty as they watch the star do his thing. Good players in Andrew Carrazzo, Kade Simpson and Andrew Walker will lift a notch as they try to prove themselves to their new skipper. Veterans Nick Stevens and Heath Scotland will appreciate that they will no longer receive the toughest tag each week and will produce better football.
Judd is a goalkicking midfielder who also sets up dozens of "assists" each season. Brendan Fevola can count on at least 20 extra goals, with Judd pumping the leather his way.
Off-field, the benefits for the Blues will be huge. With a champion in the stable, it will be so much easier to market the club. Sponsorship, membership and interest in the Blues will soar. More than 10,000 turned out for a practice match to catch a glimpse of the new No. 5 and in Thursday night's season opener, expect the man to draw an extra 20,000 to the MCG.
For his efforts, Judd will be paid more than a $1 million a season. He will become Carlton's second million-dollar man.
There will be a big difference, though. When "Kouta" was being paid the big bucks, his career was in decline. He couldn't take others along for the ride.
Not so Judd. He is in his prime and his team is set to start its rise. More than a score of his young teammates will be desperate to jump on board with him as will tens of thousands of Blues supporters. Thursday night can't come quickly enough.
