Carlton have added a third Supplemental Selection Period hopeful to their pre-season program for 2022, with VFL signing Michael Lewis set to train under Michael Voss for the next month.
The Blues have already invited Josh Cripps - brother of Blues captain Patrick - and Eastern Ranges product Tyreece Leiu to their summer sessions ahead of the SSP's closure on March 9.
The pair will now battle with Lewis for the last remaining list spot at Princes Park, with the former Sandringham Dragons defender the latest to link up with Carlton after signing with their reserves for 2022, according to AFL.com.au.
Standing at 192cm tall, Lewis frames as a potential reinforcement for the Blues' hindered key defensive stocks, with incumbent Liam Jones having announced his retirement in November last year.
Carlton will give 192cm defender Michael Lewis the chance to trial for the last spot on its list.
The 19yo has already signed with the club's VFL team and has impressed in match sim sessions as a fill-in player. @AFLcomau https://t.co/53Q02gVEuR
— Riley Beveridge (@RileyBev) February 7, 2022
After featuring in the Blues' match simulations this pre-season, Carlton have moved to formally invite Lewis into their senior squad's training regime in the hope he evolves into a reliable asset in defence.
The Blues look set to trial a number of players to potentially pair with star defender Jacob Weitering in defence this season, with maligned swingman Mitch McGovern to feature in Voss' backline planning for the year ahead.
Carlton were able to add Bulldog Lewis Young during the 2021 trade window, with the 23-year-old joining the likes of McGovern and Caleb Marchbank in vying for first-team duties.
Leiu also firms as a potential replacement for Jones, joining Lewis in being among the tall defenders overlooked in last year's National Draft following impressive NAB League campaigns.
Should the Blues opt not to use their remaining list spot during the SSP, they will be able to hold the opening for the Mid-Season Rookie Draft on June 1.
