Blues not worried by extra travel
Carlton midfielder Kade Simpson says two interstate matches in as many weeks won't pose a problem for his side ahead of Sunday's must-win final in Sydney
The Blues made the long trek to Perth to play Fremantle last week and returned after a narrow defeat on the red-eye flight, which saw them arrive in Melbourne in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The team jumped on another plane on Friday, but Simpson maintains it will not be a factor when the sides clash in the elimination final at ANZ Stadium in Sydney’s west.
“As everyone knows, we flew back [from Perth] business class which was a nice mix-up, but we’re feeling fresh,” Simpson said from Melbourne Airport.
“It’s only an hour’s flight, we’re going up a couple of days early to get used to it, so we’ll be ready for them.
“It was a light week on the track; we’re ready for the Swans.”
Andrew Carrazzo took his place on the flight despite lingering doubts over a hamstring injury, and Simpson said the tagger would be ready to go on Sunday.
Coach Brett Ratten expressed his displeasure with Shaun Hampson’s game against Fremantle earlier in the week, and it didn’t surprise to see him replaced in the side by Sam Jacobs for Sunday’s clash.
Hampson’s athleticism has generally seen him preferred to Jacobs, who is more of a traditional ruckman, but Simpson said the big South Australian will add a lot to the midfield mix.
“He’s a great tap ruckman, he’s obviously a very big guy and is hard to move, so he’ll be good,” he said.
“If [Shane] Mumford comes back in, that will be a great battle between those two because they are pretty similar players; they’re both big bodies and love the contest.”
The Blues have not dwelled on the past in preparing for Sunday's match, with Simpson maintaining last year’s dramatic elimination final loss to the Brisbane Lions had not been spoken about this week.
Dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes looms as a key figure on Sunday, but Simpson said it would be dangerous to put too much emphasis on the Swans' playmaker.
“They’ve been playing great footy ... and they’re very even across the park,” he said.
“It’s not just one guy that stands up every week, it’s everyone playing their part and 22 contributors that are getting them over the line.
“They’re such an even side all over the ground.”
The Blues will train at ANZ Stadium on Saturday ahead of what will be just their third appearance at the venue.