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Voss provides latest on Curnow as utility and youngster enter selection mix

Carlton will confirm their side on Friday evening ahead of a crunch clash with Hawthorn.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Carlton spearhead Charlie Curnow is expected to face Hawthorn on Sunday after carrying an ankle concern throughout the week, with Friday's session the final hurdle for the Blues star.

Curnow was listed as a test for Round 22 after hurting his ankle last weekend and will need to prove his fitness at training, albeit in a limited session at Princes Park.

Speaking to media on Friday, Carlton coach Michael Voss said he is "very confident" the two-time Coleman Medal winner will face the Hawks.

"He's got to get through some parts of training today, we're not going to ask him to do everything," Voss said.

"But if he certainly does enough to prove his fitness then he'll play."

Mac Andrew tackles Charlie Curnow during Gold Coast's clash against Carlton in round 11, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

Voss was questioned on Curnow's form after the dominant forward's goalless outing against the reigning premiers - a performance that ended a 66-game streak of at least one major.

The Carlton coach said looking at one game compared to a body of Curnow's work is "narrow-focused".

"I tend to look at a body of work, we're getting real narrow-focused if we're looking at one or two games," Voss said.

"The guy's consistency over two or three years now since I've been here has been at an extremely high level. He's won a couple of Coleman Medals.

"Have an off-day, have an off-moment... that's not unusual to anyone. His importance to us is significant, he knows that."

Utility Zac Williams will also be out to prove his fitness as he eyes a return from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since Round 18.

Williams is one of five potential inclusions for the Blues alongside Jaxon Binns, Lachie Cowan, Jack Carroll and Lewis Young.

Injuries to Adam Cerra and Matt Cottrell will lead to at least two changes from the side that fell to Collingwood last Saturday, with Binns and Carroll both in the frame to fill the midfield voids.

"Zac Williams has got to get through training today. If he gets through he'll be available," Voss said of potential inclusions.

"We got a couple of guys who have been in form as well. We might have to shift a couple of magnets, but generally, we've got really good cover. We've got some players who are in some good form.

"For us, it's about trying to build that cohesion amongst one another and build that connection between our phases. Mainly, to do it for a longer period of time.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 06: Jaxon Binns of Carlton kicks the ball during the round seven VFL match between Carlton Blues and Brisbane Lions at Ikon Park on May 06, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

"[Binns] has been on the edge for a number of weeks. His form has been really good and he's progressing really well over the last couple of weeks.

"The VFL have been in some good form as well. So obviously you consider every single player and what they can fulfil within this team.

"He'll be a consideration."

The Blues will name a 23-man squad for Sunday's game at 5:00 pm (AEST) on Friday, with a final side to be confirmed an hour out from the 1:10 pm bounce at the MCG.

2024-08-11T03:10:00Z
Published by
Mitch Keating