BEING at IKON Park since 2016, Lachie Plowman is no stranger to the ups and downs of footy.
Having played 139 games (119 for Carlton), Plowman's understanding of the game and what it takes is getting stronger with each outing.
Being a consistent part of the Blues' backline since his recruitment, Plowman has seen defenders come in and out of the side: however, he believes that can build resilience among a young group and hold them in good stead down the track.
"I think this year, we’ve been a bit unlucky with the injuries that we’ve had but the group has shown some resilience and obviously the next-man-up mentality, we’ve done that very well," Plowman said.
"These days in the backline, you don’t really have a position, it’s sort of floating with the system that you play.
"I think [Aaron] 'Sammy' Hamill talks about just playing your role, being across what we can do and working well as a unit."
Carlton's defence has been a key pillar in recent years, with the star-studded duo of Weitering and Sam Docherty leading the pack.
Plowman said the support of the midfield group in 2022, which has seen the Blues not have their territory impeded as often, has been a relief this season.
Directly crediting the work Sam Walsh puts in, Plowman was complimentary of the whole midfield group and how they allow the back six to get their correct structure in place.
"The midfield has been amazing, the amount of pressure they put on was great for the backs and make our jobs a lot easier," he said.
"'Walshy' is unbelievable, and there have been a few boys this year that have put on [similar] performances. You just sit back and admire it."
The emergence of Lewis Young is one of the highlights of Carlton's backline in recent weeks, with Plowman noting his performance is a reward for all of the hard work he puts in behind the scenes.
Working with Jacob Weitering before he was sidelined, Young was studying Carlton's system and what he could do to best suit the team.
Plowman was adamant that Young can hold his own against key forward Max King in a pivotal duel.
"When he came in, he had a lot to learn, but he’s young and eager to get across everything," he said.
"He worked alongside 'Weiters', I think those two work very well together. It was a bit unfortunate when 'Weiters' went down, but now he’s really shown his work.
"King is a really good forward, he’s in some good form and obviously the Saints will come out firing so it’ll be a great match this weekend... hopefully [Young] can nullify King a bit" he said.
Tomorrow night's contest also coincides with the Blues' seventh annual AFL Carlton Respects program, which Plowman said marked a significant occasion for the Club each year.
With the first incarnation of the Carlton Respects guernsey to be worn, Plowman - in a shock to the system - won't be donning his usual long sleeve ("I don't think there are any long ones!".
"[Carlton Respects is] a great cause by the Club: it’s our seventh time doing it and it’s the first time we’ll be wearing a guernsey dedicated to the cause, so we’ve got some orange sleeves and orange neck on our jumper and hopefully we can raise some awareness around the community," he said.
"We’re doing a great job in our Club, so hopefully it spreads [the message] around Australia."
