WITH the AFL home-and-away season just three weeks away, the Carlton defenders are raring to go.
Known as the closest knit line group within the Club, the defenders are never short on praise for each other and wanting to make each other better.
Speaking to Liam Jones and Sam Petrevski-Seton, both are extremely happy with the way the group is gelling and training.
“I think it’s just building off last year, we just want to really compete hard, shut down their forwards, really want to build our chemistry again and get to know our roles again as players but also building the chemistry as a really strong unit,” Petrevski-Seton said.
“We’re a close group back there, led by Dale Amos, he’s a great guy and he coaches us to work together. We’re constantly leaning on each other as you have to do in defence, we don’t want to leave anyone isolated,” Jones said.
The defenders had a very consistent year for the Blues in 2020 under trying circumstances, but have been working hard to take their game to the next level.
“We’re looking to improve in all areas but just making sure that maybe our exits outside of defensive 50 improve, we were getting some good turnovers last year I think but maybe we can get more bang for buck,” Jones said.
“Having that friendship, that bond that we have within the line as defenders really holds us in good stead when we’re coming against opposition,” Petrevski-Seton said.
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With a few new additions slotting into the defensive line seamlessly, the group has been training better than ever.
“I’ve been really impressed with Adam Saad and Luke Parks. 'Saady' obviously with his speed and his run and then Luke Parks has really impressed me with his courage and his willingness to compete, he’s been great,” Jones said.
“ I think just playing their role for the team and building a relationship with them will better their strength and better our strength,” Petrevski-Seton said.
With their practice match against Essendon taking place tomorrow, the Blues are keen to put their hard work to the test.
“Although we started pre-season a little late this year, just to play against some different opposition will be nice,” Jones said.
“Big Harry [McKay] is a bit of a handful to play on at the moment, he’s in really good form so to play on some other guys will be nice and to see him from the other end kicking goals will be good.”
