A settled forward structure should mean Carlton can be a player in next year's AFL finals, according to captain Chris Judd.

Judd said the Blues - knocked out in the elimination final in the past two years - were unsteady at the start of 2010 with the departure of key forward Brendan Fevola to Brisbane.

"Definitely. This time last year there was probably a lot of uncertainty, particularly around the forward line and how we were going to structure that up and whether or not it would work post Fev," Judd said.

"We got to put some things in place last year - Lachie Henderson and Jarrad Waite showed they had a good chemistry down there together last year."

And he said small forwards Eddie Betts and Jeff Garlett proved their value as goalscorers.

"I think there's less unknowns heading into this year and we've probably worked a few things out last year that should mean where ahead of where we were last year," Judd said.

However he said improvement was essential and he was confident the players could produce it.

"Every year the competition gets better and better so if you're standing still you're effectively going backwards," he added.

"We know that and the boys have been working really hard and are confident we'll improve enough this year to get some good results.

"We've got a lot of different things in place this year, some different structures and obviously having three new assistant coaches coming in fills the place with some new energy and ideas.

"Having more and more players that have got four or five pre-seasons under their belt - 50 to 100 games - that's going to hold us in good stead.

"That's usually the age when players really start to make significant steps."

While coach Brett Ratten has been under pressure this past season, Judd said he had developed well as a leader and would be well supported by former Collingwood player and assistant coach Gavin Brown, who will be in charge of the defence.

"To have a person who not only has such a strong playing record as Gavin but who has such a really strong coaching career behind him and coming from the premier club is something the backs are looking forward to utilising," Judd said.

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