A DEFENSIVE boost. 

Following a successful return against Collingwood in Thursday’s practice match, defensive duo Sam Docherty and Tom Williamson are in line for a call-up in Carlton’s opening Marsh Community Series game against Fremantle.

The two put the nerves of a return to the field behind them against Collingwood, not missing a beat and adding an extra dimension to Carlton’s defence. 

As someone who has witnessed the dedication and resilience demonstrated by the two during their frustrating rehabilitation from injury, backline coach Dale Amos spoke proudly of the pairs efforts to get themselves in the right shape for the beginning of the season and believes they will be a strong chance to make the trip to Mandurah for the game against Fremantle. 

“The fact that they played today, they’ll certainly be a chance to play next week – depending on how they pull-up,” Amos said following Thursday’s practice match

“If there are no setbacks, they’ll be a chance to play next week.” 

While Thursday may have just been a practice match, the game marked a special occasion for both Docherty and Williamson. 

For co-captain Sam Docherty, it was the first time he has been able to run out in a game of any form since the end of the 2017 season. 

The skillful defender was up to his old tricks, tackling hard, clearing the defensive 50m with ease and even managing to spin out of a tackle on the wing.

While the moves impressed Amos, it was seeing the smile on the face of Docherty which was the most satisfying part of the day – a definite reward for all of the hard work put in on the sideline. 

“It was good to see the smile on his face and see him back playing again,” Amos said

“You can see by that he feels really confident in his body and I guess the pre-season has been a lot about that. Building him up and having him have great confidence in his body to be able to go out and play. 

“He enjoyed it I think.”

It has been a tumultuous road for Williamson as well, who has battled injury for the last 24-months. 

Having spent time in Europe last year receiving specialist treatment for a persistent back-injury, the 21-year-old talented defender looked right at home against the Pies on Thursday afternoon. 

“He’s very much like Doc, he hasn’t played much footy in the last two years," Amos said

“He’s built up his pre-season really nicely. His program has been really solid and culminated in being able to play today.

“He’ll continue to build over the next few weeks. Certainly, on the back of today, he puts himself in calculation for Round 1 which is good.”

The Blues will now turn their attention to preparations for next Saturday's game, using it as another opportunity to ready themselves for Round 1.