Carlton's pre-season plans for 2023 took another hit last week with defender Zac Williams seeing his campaign cut short due to an ACL injury.
The ailment adds to a frustrating tenure in the navy blue for the former Giant, who has managed just 25 games across two seasons at Ikon Park due to prior injuries.
The setback will allow the Blues to move Williams to their inactive list and scout a potential replacement before the Supplemental Selection Period deadline on Wednesday, February 15.
Senior coach Michael Voss may look to add a like-for-like replacement for the 28-year-old before the signing window shuts, either adding experienced talent that can have an instant impact or potentially looking toward a more youthful target that will act as a reinforcement for any further injuries to his back third stocks.
Here we name five players that Carlton could consider recruiting in place of Williams for the 2023 season.
4. Martin Frederick
The first of two recently delisted AFL options for the Blues to consider, with Frederick's departure from Alberton last year raising some eyebrows across the competition.
The South Australian-born defender had impressed in his short stint with the Power but found opportunities at senior level hard to come by given the club's incumbent rebounding options.
Frederick had gained some interest from several AFL clubs across the course of the off-season, including West Coast, but has since landed with SANFL club Sturt for 2023.
The 22-year-old played six games under Ken Hinkley last year, three of which came as the medical sub.
Offering pace, run and AFL experience, Frederick is arguably the strongest option for the Blues to ponder.
