Carlton coach Mick Malthouse says he has a number of options to replace the three players out injured for this weekend’s clash with West Coast.
Chris Judd (hamstring), Tom Bell (finger) and Ed Curnow (fractured fibula) have all been sidelined after the bruising win over the Bulldogs.
Carlton’s VFL affiliate the Northern Blues also had a win on the weekend. In his weekly message to members Malthouse said a number of players pressed their case for selection.
“Nick Graham played his role – he was an emergency the previous week and went back and played very well – so he’s certainly in our thoughts this week given that we need another midfielder,” Malthouse said.
“We thought that our goal scoring was pretty broad and we need to add to that. We’ve got players who have played pretty well in scoring, so they will come into contention, and we probably need another two backline players.”
Malthouse says Andrew McInnes, Josh Bootsma and Matthew Watson will all be considered, while Michael Jamison may be in line to return after missing Round 5 with a calf injury.
Carlton is now 1-and-4 after the opening five rounds of the season, but Malthouse is hopeful the tide is turning.
“Let’s hope this is the start now, that we can kick start it,” Malthouse said.
“We’ve got West Coast who are another very good football side (with) a new young and enthusiastic coach, and we’ve got to counter all their moves.
“We played well there (at Etihad Stadium) last week, so we’d like to think we can do it again.”
To receive Mick Malthouse’s weekly message, sign up for Carlton membership. Call 1300 CARLTON or click here.