AFL 2024: ‘Potential’ for Carlton stars including Jacob Weitering to return

Carlton has played its cards close to its chest on the injury front this month, but a defender thinks there could be big inclusions to face North Melbourne.

Mitch McGovern says there is ‘potential’ for Sam Walsh to play in round 3. Picture: David Crosling

Carlton defender Mitch McGovern says “there’s potential” for a host of key players to return against North Melbourne on Good Friday as the Blues prepare to update fans on Sam Walsh’s fitness.

The Blues have stuck to their line all month that Walsh’s availability would be reassessed after their round 2 bye as the star midfielder battles back soreness.

Walsh previously had invasive back surgery to remove a portion of a bulging disc and alleviate nerve pain in late 2022, but coach Michael Voss strongly denied more surgery was being considered for the 23-year-old when asked following the round 1 win over Richmond.

Jacob Weitering (calf), Caleb Marchbank (illness) and Jack Martin (knee) are all set to be subject to fitness tests ahead of the Kangaroos clash.

Carlton is expected to clear the air over Sam Walsh’s availability to play on Tuesday. Picture: David Crosling

“There’s potential for (those players to return),” McGovern said on Monday.

“The boys have been having a really good training block, I’m really uncertain with what it is, it’s up to the coaching staff with how they get through this week.

“Fingers crossed … either way, we’ve got the ‘next man up’ mindset, so we’ll see how we go.”

If Weitering is not cleared to play, Lewis Young faces a tough battle with Roos spearhead Nick Larkey, but McGovern said the Blues backline was growing in confidence as a unit without the star fullback.

“We’ve had Youngy and Kempy (Brodie Kemp) really stand up in those roles, not only that but the back seven as a group, we’ve had (Jordan) Boyd come in who’s only played a handful of games as well, and the inclusion, (Zac) Williams helps us big time,” McGovern said.

“(Williams) wasn’t out there last year, you sort of get used to what’s out there with you at the time, so him coming back in, having his versatility both defensively and offensively, has really helped us.

“And he’s still building into the game himself, he’s growing with confidence every week knowing he can get through.”

Mitch McGovern (right) with fellow defender Jacob Weitering, who could return from a high grade calf strain on Friday against the Kangaroos. Picture: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

Carlton was one of few teams to pinch a victory coming off a bye last year, and McGovern said that experience and a carefully tailored pre-season program had left the Blues confident in their approach to the unusual fixture.

“We went pretty hard during the pre-season, different than what we normally would,” he said.

“We trust the preparation we’ve done, we trust the high performance and coaching staff with our training blocks that we’ve done.

“It’s not like we’ve sat on our bums for a week. We’ve got to work, we’re still working on our game, and I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

McGovern enlisted his teammates to auction off their own Carlton gear this week to raise money for the Good Friday Appeal, with bidding open for 17 pieces of memorabilia, including Patrick Cripps and Walsh’s signed guernseys.

“The boys have jumped at the idea, which is really pleasing, and we hope we can raise as much money as possible to help the Royal Children’s Hospital, which is a truly remarkable place,” McGovern said.

“I want to encourage everyone who has the means to, to please jump on and bid for each of the items. It’s a special opportunity to get a piece of Carlton history while also donating to an amazing cause.”