Talk about offering Kruezer for a top 3 pick is fantasy/bullshit.
Yes, Malthouse may have put it on the table but let's be honest, if the board vetoed the plan, it was only to stop us further embarrassing ourselves. I love Kreuzer but he's not worth a top 15 pick at the moment let alone top 3.
As for Jaksch etc. Ask yourself, why would they want to come to Carlton at the moment?
They're being developed at GWS, they're actually required to earn a spot so when it's earned, it comes with some form of satisfaction and they're playing at a club that is rapidly becoming a top shelf AFL team. They're solidly backed to succeed by the AFL and they have a solid bunch of kids around the same age.
To leave that environment, they would have half a dozen better credentialed clubs dangling a better carrot.
The days of expecting players to come because 'we are Carlton" are long gone. It's only the dinosaurs at the club who still think it exists.
We have to do something this club's never done before. Formulate a list development plan, put together a committee that isn't dictated to by the board/administration and start from scratch. Give something to get something, be realistic in our expectations (that includes our coach not believing a broken down, undersized ruck an is worth pick 1

) and build with youth. Plan for sustained success in 5 years, not accidental finals appearances this year.
At least if the club had the balls to walk the talk, I'd believe they had some long term hope.