Bryce Gibbs, team changes, and a possible call-up for some Carlton young guns are dominating the headlines about Carlton today.
Here’s a snapshot of what the media has to say:
I’m going nowhere: Gibbs
AFL website – Peter Ryan
Carlton free agent Bryce Gibbs has indicated he wants to stay with the Blues beyond 2014, and his contract negotiations are progressing well.
Heartened by discussions with the club about its direction and where he fits into its plans, Gibbs said Carlton's future was less dire than many were predicting.
He said he hadn't thought at all about leaving Carlton despite his position as a restricted free agent, but negotiations took time.
Potential free agent Bryce Gibbs says he’d like to stay with Carlton; confidential deal will get done
Herald Sun – Glenn McFarlane
Potential free agent Bryce Gibbs insists he wants to stay at Carlton next year, rejecting speculation he is considering a return home to Adelaide for the rest of his football career.
Gibbs said he was still locked in talks with the Blues about a long-term deal, saying he has been satisfied in recent chats with the club that both are on the same page heading into the future.
“I’m still under negotiations with the club ... as far as I know, it is all going really well and really positive, so hopefully it can get done soon,” he said.
In The Mix: Round 8
AFL website – Howard Kotton
First-round draft pick Patrick Cripps is in line to return to the senior team after a solid performance for the Northern Blues in the VFL. Cripps copped several heavy knocks but fought on to finish with 22 disposals and three goals.
Without vice-captain Andrew Carrazzo and Ed Curnow, the Blues lack a shutdown midfielder, so Jaryd Cachia might be in the frame after collecting 27 disposals against Coburg last Saturday.
Nick Graham (31 disposals, seven clearances) and Dennis Armfield, on the comeback trail after missing the start of the season with a knee injury, were also impressive in the VFL.
Blues lead the way – in late team changes
The Age – Daniel Cherny
Carlton sits atop a ladder after all. Alas for the Blues' faithful, it is not the ladder which they have any desire to lead.
Seven rounds into the 2014 season, Carlton has made seven match day late-changes to its selected teams, three more than any other side in the AFL.
On Friday night against Collingwood, veteran pair Jarrad Waite and Andrew Carrazzo were both replaced at the last-minute with hamstring and back complaints respectively.
For their part, the Magpies made a couple of changes themselves, leaving out both Nick Maxwell (back) and Clinton Young (calf).
