Carlton coach Mick Malthouse says Sunday’s NAB Challenge clash with Collingwood in Bendigo will be a significant event for the local community, given the Blues’ rich Bendigo history.
 
An allocated recruiting zone for Carlton from the 1970s to the mid-‘80s, Bendigo produced the likes of Blues greats Greg Williams, Geoff Southby, Jim Buckley, Rod Ashman, Ken Sheldon, Des English, Peter McConville, Trevor Keogh, Michael Sexton and Peter Dean – a formidable bevy which hasn’t been lost on Malthouse.
 
“It’s (Bendigo) a traditional home of Carlton. We got a lot of players from Bendigo over the zoning period,” Malthouse told Adelaide radio station FIVEaa.
 
“It’s fantastic for the Bendigo people and their region to see two sides that are traditional rivals go head to head, fill the place (Queen Elizabeth Oval) out and make a lot of money for local footy.”
 
Carlton’s Bendigo faithful will see a more experienced line-up take on its arch-rival, with Chris Judd, Lachie Henderson, Andrew Carrazzo and vice-captains Bryce Gibbs and Michael Jamison set to feature after missing the defeat to West Coast on February 27.  
 
Captain Marc Murphy is expected to return from a calf injury against Geelong next week, while Matthew Kreuzer (foot) and Andrew Walker (knee) are pushing to play early in the season proper.

Malthouse, who is back at the helm after missing the West Coast clash to be by his wife Nanette’s side during her investigative surgery, said he was impressed with the pre-season form of the Blues’ youngsters.
 
“I think the excitement of who we’ve recruited this year is really palpable. Clem Smith’s a very, very exciting player. I don’t like doing comparisons, but if I had to (compare to) a player I’ve coached, he’s a Leon Davis lookalike. He’s got the same mannerisms in terms of the way he plays,” he said.
 
“Blaine Boekhorst showed glimpses last week when he carried the football, and he’s going to be a very good Carlton player.
 
“Those sorts of kids will bring people through the gate. They’re going to be fresh, they’re going to be exciting and they’re going to add value to our football club.”
 
Malthouse also reserved praise for third-year player Troy Menzel, who had a breakout 2014 season and is in line to return to the action on Sunday.
 
“It’s very hard to stop Troy. He’s an absolute beauty. He’s got strength, speed and is a very astute player too,” he said.
 
“We’ve got high hopes for Troy being a very, very good player for us for a long period. He signed a three-year contract extension and he gets along well with all the players.”
 
Meanwhile, Blues members are reminded to recruit new Bluebaggers by March 19 to receive up to 50 per cent off their 2016 membership.
 
The offer is part of Carlton’s 5 in 5 membership marathon, which aims to sign up 5000 new members in five weeks.
 
For details on how to recruit, visit: http://membership.carltonfc.com.au/5-in-5

Not a member? Then sign up today. Call 1300 CARLTON or head to http://membership.carltonfc.com.au