Carlton have recorded a league-best five Rising Star nominees this season and have one of the most promising young lists in the competition. They have the potential to become the AFL’s next powerhouse, but must harness their talent.

And Maclure, a Carlton legend and dual Premiership player, believes they must develop a leadership system to ensure they build from here.

“They need to develop a young leaders type organisation. Their leaders at the moment are Kade Simpson, Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Sam Docherty. If one or two of those don’t play well, that’s it, the kids can’t do it," Maclure told Inside Sport.

“The biggest issue for mine is fast tracking those kids on their leadership and seeing how they stand up for 23 weeks.

“They’re playing five, six, seven games, they think, geez it’s pretty quick, it’s harder, I gotta get bigger, I gotta get stronger. They realise they have to be at a level."

Since taking over as senior coach of Carlton at the start of the 2016 season, Brendon Bolton has transformed the club and its culture, driving a youth policy.

Their last two seasons have played out similarly, starting well and fading out in the second half of the year.

Last year they finished 14th with a 7-15 record. They currently sit 16th at 5-12 with five games remaining.

“To go to the footy club the last few years was a nightmare. I didn’t like it. No one would look at you, they were sheepish. But they’ve come out of their shell and they’re becoming good, young men,” Maclure said.

Carlton had the fifth youngest list in the competition ahead of the 2017 season on average age and have debuted six players this season, ranking equal second in the league.

Maclure believes Bolton’s communication skills and ability to interact with his younger players create a positive culture that give his side the best chance to succeed on the weekend.

“You’re judged from 2pm-5pm every Saturday, but there’s a hell of a lot of work that goes on in between then. It’s not just training, it’s a whole lot of mental things - being selfless, helping each other, it’s more about team than me,” Maclure said.

He affirms that the connections between players and coaches are more significant now than ever before.

“Bolton’s a relationship builder. If you don’t have a relationship with the players, you’re finished. I’ve not met one person who’s got one bad word to say against him, which is unusual for a coach," he said.

“I’ve been in the corporate world for 30 years, doing business and watching people do presentations. He did a presentation the first time I saw him, when he first came. It’s in the top three presentations I’ve ever seen."

Carlton have been linked to impending free agent Josh Kelly amongst other names this off season, but Maclure believes their internal growth is most important.

“If you want to go and pinch someone in free agency you’ve gotta pay. I think we have to wait for that, then top up when we’re ready. I don’t think we’re going to get Kelly.”

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