The serious neck injury which has put paid to Simon White’s 2013 season means Carlton can now retain Jaryd Cachia as a senior-listed player.

Cachia, a 2013 rookie, was initially elevated to the senior list in early May when Nick Graham suffered a knee injury. When Graham resumed playing in mid-June, Cachia made way on the senior list – only to win an immediate recall when Pat McCarthy developed a stress reaction in his foot.

Cachia was again set to relinquish his senior status – this time for McCarthy - with the latter’s anticipated return in Round 20. But White, who suffered a fracture in his C3 vertebrae 10 days ago, has now been placed on the club’s long-term injury list, thereby creating yet another vacancy.

Carlton General Manager – Football Operations Andrew McKay said today of White’s absence: “while disappointing that Simon has sustained this injury, it gives us an opportunity to put someone there if we need to”.

“We can’t put Jaryd Cachia there yet because he came in for Patrick McCarthy who remains on the long-term injury list,” McKay said. “But once Pat comes back - which has to be after eight weeks – then Jaryd can replace Simon White as a long-term injury upgrade.”

McKay said that the club was delighted with Cachia’s progress this season and said that it would have been “disappointing for everyone” had the club not been able to retain him as a senior-listed player.

Cachia has so far played 12 senior games in this his breakout season at Visy Park.

Carlton’s rookies for 2013 are Cachia, Andrew Collins, Frazer Dale and Rhys O’Keeffe. Its nominated rookies Tom Bell and Ed Curnow are eligible for senior selection regardless.