Carlton won’t consider mature-age recruit to fill void left by injured co-captain Sam Docherty

The Blues need a defender and Brendon Goddard is available. So why won’t the club look to add him to its list? SAM EDMUND has the latest on how Carlton plans to cover the loss of Sam Docherty.

Carlton won’t try to lure Brendon Goddard out of retirement. Pic: Michael Klein

Carlton have ruled out recruiting a mature-age replacement for Sam Docherty and are confident the injured co-captain’s spot can be filled internally.

The Blues believe the returning Tom Williamson, former Swan Nic Newman or even No.1 draft pick Sam Walsh can hold down Docherty’s halfback position next season.

The club will fill the two vacant positions on its list under new rules, but won’t be calling on veterans such as Brendon Goddard, Kyle Cheney or Bernie Vince.

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The incoming players won’t necessarily be running defenders either, with Carlton preferring to take the best available, regardless of position.

Carlton won’t be giving Brendon Goddard a call. Pic: Michael Klein

New Blue Nic Newman is one option at half back for the Blues. Picture. Phil Hillyard

The Blues were among a host of clubs which already had one rookie spot available for a supplemental selection period (SSP) signing, but will gain an extra spot once they move luckless knee victim Docherty to their long-term injury list.

A host of established names have been linked with moves to Ikon Park, but Carlton remain conscious they are in rebuild mode and will go down a younger route.

The acquisition of Collingwood free agent Alex Fasolo and Tom Bugg from Melbourne in the rookie draft also means they’ve already played their mature-age card.

Sadly, Sam Docherty’s season is over before it started. Pic: Michael Klein

Former Dee Tom Bugg is among the Blues’ mature-age additions. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Previously, clubs couldn’t replace players who had suffered season-ending injuries or who had unexpectedly retired after list lodgement deadlines had fallen.

But the AFL’s recently introduced pre-season SSP rules now enable clubs to replenish their lists.

While Carlton has until March 15 to make further signings, it’s understood the club will look to move quickly to maximise preparation time.