Carlton Blues

Blues’ COVID relief offset by injury to key defender

A dynamic Blues pair are set to return this week, but at the expense of an injured backman.

Published by
Jack Jovanovski

Carlton senior coach Michael Voss has confirmed COVID-stricken pair Jack Martin and Adam Cerra will be able to return to the field this weekend when the Blues take on Hawthorn.

Speaking on RSN Breakfast Tuesday morning, Voss confirmed Martin and Cerra, who missed last Thursday night's victory over the Western Bulldogs after being placed in the AFL's health and safety protocols, would be available to reclaim their spots in Carlton's 22.

However, in less positive selection news for the Blues, AFL.com.au reporter Riley Beveridge has revealed key defender Oscar McDonald will be forced to watch from the sidelines this Sunday due to a back injury, potentially opening the door to a debut for off-season recruit Lewis Young.

Young, formerly of the Western Bulldogs, made his case to the selection committee after accumulating 21 disposals and taking 10 marks in the reserves' season opener last Friday.

Fellow ex-Dog Will Hayes also pressed for a club debut this week after notching 33 possessions, six tackles and two goals in a win against Brisbane's seconds.

Voss' side will be a tough one to crack, though, with the Blues sitting pretty at 2-0 for the first time since the 2012 season.

Carlton will look to make it three wins on the trot when they battle Sam Mitchell's unbeaten Hawks at the MCG.

Published by
Jack Jovanovski