In what almost appears to be a case of the Blues, rather than the Bombers, topping up, Carlton is preparing to introduce six new players when the footy bounces for round one of the home-and-away season.
Number 1 draftees Jacob Weitering and Charlie Curnow are likely to make their debuts. Four other players are from other clubs, including two former Crows, Sam Kerridge and Matthew Wright. Jed Lamb from GWS and either former Giant Andrew Phillips or Gold Coast ruck Dan Gorringe are potential senior listers.
The Blues would have liked to give some time to another first rounder, Harry McKay, but he will miss at least the first 12 rounds with a back problem.
In the NAB Challenge so far, the Blues have been the target of withering criticism for the side they selected for a trial game against the Bombers. They have responded by selecting a stronger team for the upcoming final game of the Challenge against Sydney Swans.
It may be an instance of too much scrutiny, as the NAB Challenge is more of an opportunity to assess potential, as opposed to anything meaningful, but footy fans and media eager for a footy fix cannot be blamed for enthusiasm.
For wooden spoon holders Carlton, it would appear that a “What have we got to lose” scenario is in effect.
