Carlton coach Brendon Bolton says patience is key to his developing Carlton squad.
Ahead of his second season in charge, Bolton said the Blues would further the foundations laid in 2016 but expects the growth of his playing group to take time.
“Last year we put a really big focus on our defensive action and team defence,” Bolton told SEN 116 on Wednesday.
“We know that’s about 18 players all working in synergy and it takes a fair bit of training and it takes a few years to get really strong at it, but we made some in-roads last year on that front.
“Last year we said that we wanted to stay united and play with pressure … we want to maintain that as a club."
With Carlton’s defensive pressure set to drive the team’s endeavours again in 2017, the progress of its youngsters in attack would also be a focus point, according to Bolton.
“This year we’re looking to build more depth with our youngsters and then on top of that, start to lay some consistency from game to game, quarter to quarter,” he said.
“We did draft some young talls but they do take a little bit longer but we think we’ve got some talent there (in the forward line).
“As we know with key forwards it’s a difficult position to play and your bodies have got to be ready so we’ve just got to be a little bit patient.”
Bolton also singled out a promising Jacob Weitering as a “mature body” with promise to play across two positions – as a defender and a forward.
“I’d really like to in time have ‘Weiters’ as a player who can play both ends of the ground,” he said.
“We’ve got to always remember he’s only in his second year so I think I’d be smart to have him consolidate and feel really good as a defender.
“We’re going to keep giving him opportunities (as a forward) and hopefully in time he builds really good versatility and can play at both ends.”
Weitering was given a taste in attack in the Blues’ first JLT Community Series match against Melbourne last Saturday.
Despite a 54-point loss to the Demons, Bolton upheld a positive spirit and emphasised the opportunity the JLT Series presents.
“The JLT for us – particularly on a reset – is not missing an opportunity to play a lot of youngsters,” he said.
“We needed to bring a bit more of a defensive mindset (against Melbourne) but in saying that, we did achieve what we wanted to.”
“The game gives you terrific feedback and that’s what the JLT is about.”
Carlton will face St Kilda at Ikon Park on Saturday in its second match of the JLT Community Series.
With less than one month before Bolton’s men take on Richmond in the season opener, it’s time to jump on board the journey and show your support for the Blues.
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