The new-look Carlton is beginning to take shape, with two more recruits set to make their debuts in the iconic navy blue.
After a disappointing loss to the Suns last week, Carlton will be looking to bounce back against the in-form Bulldogs this Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Carlton coach Brendon Bolton emphasised each game is another chance for his team to improve, and strive for a sustained four-quarter performance.
“We look at every game, and particularly now, as an opportunity to try and challenge for longer,” Bolton said.
“We think our effort has been fairly consistent in all games to date, and we’ve been right in the game in the third quarter, but we need to make sure we stick to our processes for longer.”
While the Western Bulldogs are known as a young side, Carlton will also field a youthful team this Saturday, as they continue to expose their draftees and new recruits to senior football.
“I think of late you’re starting to see some of the new Carlton in terms of our future, I think we would have somewhere around 10 players who have played 30 games or less,” Bolton said.
“Last week you saw Curnow, Weitering, Ciaran Byrne the Irishman, and this week you get to have a look at Plowman and Sumner, so it’s exciting.”
Lachie Plowman and Liam Sumner will make their Carlton debuts this weekend after arriving at the Blues during the 2015 trade period from the Giants.
Both have recovered from injuries they sustained last season and have since impressed in their VFL outings for the Northern Blues.
Bolton says Plowman, who was a No. 3 pick in the 2012 national draft, will add height, muscle and versatility to the Blues’ defence.
“He’s got real strength in a contest in the one-on-ones, so we’re looking for him to be a real genuine defender,” he said.
Bulldogs recruit, former Lion Jed Adcock, will also make his debut for his new team this Saturday after being upgraded from the club’s rookie list.
The last time Carlton played the Western Bulldogs was Round 14 last year, with the Dogs walking away winners in a low scoring affair, defeating Carlton 9.10 (64) to 7.11 (53).
In that game Kade Simpson and Ed Curnow topped Carlton’s stats sheet, racking up 28 disposals each, while Dennis Armfield booted two goals.
For the Dogs, Liam Picken notched up a game-high 33 disposals and dangerous forward Jake Stringer kicked three goals.
Stringer, who had a quieter game in the Doggies’ narrow loss to Hawthorn last week, will be looking to regain his form from the first two rounds and get his team back on the winners list.
“We know they have been in terrific form, they rebound really well and they win contested possession – they’ve got a good balance of inside and out,” Bolton said.
“In this game you’ve got to be on in all phases of the game, it’s not like you can just say ‘you win the contested game and you’re a fair chance to win’ – they’re a really well-balanced team.”
There’s no doubt the Bulldogs will miss their skipper Robert Murphy on Saturday night after the defender ruptured his ACL against Hawthorn, however, Bolton believes the Dogs’ depth is strong enough to cover his loss.
“I really feel for Bob (Robert Murphy), everything you see – I don’t really know him personally – is everything the AFL should stand for.
“What I do know is that they don’t rely just on Bob, they rely on a system. Whether he’s in or out, it’s still going to be a challenge we’re going to face.”
Carlton takes on the Bulldogs in its second home game of the season at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night. To secure your seat, visit: www.ticketmaster.com.au
