STAYING ready.

In recent weeks and months, a number of players have got their chance to wear the Navy Blue at AFL level after strong stints for the Carlton Reserves.

To start with, there’s been the injection of youth. Billy Wilson has played four consecutive games since his return to the senior side in Round 9, on the back of a VFL block which made his form impossible to ignore.

Then there was the debut of Jack Ison, who was a young player that refined his game under the tutelage of Damian Truslove, kicking multiple goals in each of his six state-league games to now enjoying three wins in his first three AFL games.

Talor Byrne is back in the AFL team after a few weeks with the VFL Blues, while Flynn Young has taken his chance in the last fortnight. There was also Wade Derksen, who was unlucky to miss out following a strong showing against Port Adelaide after his move to the backline in recent weeks.

They’re not alone, however. In the week after Flynn Riley was selected by the Blues in the mid-season draft, it’s a sign that the connection between the AFL and VFL programs is as strong as ever at IKON Park.

Veterans Nic Newman and Nick Haynes have returned to the fold after early stints in the VFL side following injury-interrupted pre-seasons, while Blake Acres played his first game of the season after recent injuries to wingmen Matt Carroll and Ollie Hollands. There’s also George Hewett, who spoke after the AFL win on Friday night about his shift in role after his stint out of the side, well and truly getting to work at VFL level.

So while the wins have recently dried up for the Carlton Reserves after a brilliant five-win stretch earlier in the year, the effect is still well and truly being felt at senior level leading into the mid-season bye.

Growing by the week on the big stage, Wilson said “I’m growing with confidence and more exposure” at the level, while crediting his run with the VFL side as the perfect dress rehearsal for what was to come.

“We put up some good form in the VFL, which puts in the position we are in now. It’s exciting what we can do… there’s still a lot of boys playing good footy in the VFL, it’s exciting for the Club.”

When Wilson says ‘we’, that’s in reference to him and his housemate Flynn Young, who was on a high after a second-quarter cameo on Friday night helped turn the game.

“I feel like that’s what got me on a list: my perseverance and that never-give-up attitude,” Young said.

“My whole thing is staying ready, so when I am called upon, I can play my role and week-by-week do what I can to build confidence and stay in the team. It’s a special group to be part of.”

A former VFL coach of the Blues in his own right, Interim Coach Josh Fraser said Carlton would continue to turn to those putting their hand up for Truslove’s side throughout the rest of the season.

“I’ve loved the fact we’ve been able to bring some youth into the team… they’re the moments and opportunity that will help our Club move forward.

“We’ve got some other players that have been chipping away at VFL level, working on their craft throughout the week. Moving forward, we’d love to be able to expose them as well.”