Pamam
Premiership Player
http://www.afl.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=208&newsId=55030
CARLTON
NAB Cup round one match
Port Adelaide v Carlton, AAMI Stadium, Saturday, February 16, 5.40pm (ACST). (Channel Ten)
Toyota AFL premiership season round one match
Carlton v Richmond, MCG, Thursday, March 20, 6.10pm (AEST). (Channel Ten)
Telstra AFL Community Camp
Carlton was one of four clubs to travel to South Africa for its Community Camp.
The Blues were in the region from January 21 to February 3, and faced off with Fremantle in an exhibition match at SuperSport Park in Pretoria on February 2. Fremantle won by 14 points.
Medical room
The Blues' star recruit Chris Judd had groin surgery late last year and is yet to resume full training with the side.
While his physical fitness cannot be questioned – he reportedly ran the Princes Park time trial in 10 minutes and 30 seconds on his own – he is yet to embark on full-contact training.
Andrew Walker is planning on playing in the first NAB Cup game after overcoming shoulder problems, while youngster Clinton Benjamin injured his groin in South Africa, but the severity of the strain is unknown.
Pre-season bolter
Young ruckman Shaun Hampson has impressed during the pre-season, while Simon Wiggins is pleased with his own progress as he has survived the summer months without any hamstring issues.
Emerging star Marc Murphy was the club's best player against Fremantle, and is looking stronger after another full pre-season in the gym.
Veteran watch
Nick Stevens played his first game since round three last year while the Blues were on tour in South Africa, and got through the hit-out well despite playing only the first half.
Heath Scotland also participated while Brendan Fevola sat out after undergoing a range of surgery last year. The club is unlikely to risk him ahead of the season proper.
Position battle
An interesting competition between the Blues' big men has been simmering throughout the pre-season.
Coach Brett Ratten has six ruck options to trial, including two experienced hands, one Irishman, an emerging talent, a rookie, and the highly acclaimed No.1 draft pick from last year.
Cain Ackland and Cameron Cloke will square off, while Setanta O'hAilpin will be invited to show his wares in the middle, as will pre-season star Hampson and rookie Sam Jacobs.
Throw in young gun Matthew Kreuzer, and the battle for Carlton's two ruck spots is sure to heat up.
The midfield will see two experienced faces added, with Judd and Stevens expected to fill key roles, and the NAB Cup will also allow for the newly appointed leadership group members to showcase their skills ahead of the final decision on captaincy.
Club's approach to the NAB Cup
Carlton chief executive Greg Swann said the club is looking at the bigger picture this year, rather than obtaining the pre-season silverware.
"We are focussed on round one, we are not focussed on the NAB Cup this year," Swann said, in the Herald Sun on January 17.
"We have won it [in the past] and then we haven't won another game, so we will do it a bit differently this time."
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
CARLTON
NAB Cup round one match
Port Adelaide v Carlton, AAMI Stadium, Saturday, February 16, 5.40pm (ACST). (Channel Ten)
Toyota AFL premiership season round one match
Carlton v Richmond, MCG, Thursday, March 20, 6.10pm (AEST). (Channel Ten)
Telstra AFL Community Camp
Carlton was one of four clubs to travel to South Africa for its Community Camp.
The Blues were in the region from January 21 to February 3, and faced off with Fremantle in an exhibition match at SuperSport Park in Pretoria on February 2. Fremantle won by 14 points.
Medical room
The Blues' star recruit Chris Judd had groin surgery late last year and is yet to resume full training with the side.
While his physical fitness cannot be questioned – he reportedly ran the Princes Park time trial in 10 minutes and 30 seconds on his own – he is yet to embark on full-contact training.
Andrew Walker is planning on playing in the first NAB Cup game after overcoming shoulder problems, while youngster Clinton Benjamin injured his groin in South Africa, but the severity of the strain is unknown.
Pre-season bolter
Young ruckman Shaun Hampson has impressed during the pre-season, while Simon Wiggins is pleased with his own progress as he has survived the summer months without any hamstring issues.
Emerging star Marc Murphy was the club's best player against Fremantle, and is looking stronger after another full pre-season in the gym.
Veteran watch
Nick Stevens played his first game since round three last year while the Blues were on tour in South Africa, and got through the hit-out well despite playing only the first half.
Heath Scotland also participated while Brendan Fevola sat out after undergoing a range of surgery last year. The club is unlikely to risk him ahead of the season proper.
Position battle
An interesting competition between the Blues' big men has been simmering throughout the pre-season.
Coach Brett Ratten has six ruck options to trial, including two experienced hands, one Irishman, an emerging talent, a rookie, and the highly acclaimed No.1 draft pick from last year.
Cain Ackland and Cameron Cloke will square off, while Setanta O'hAilpin will be invited to show his wares in the middle, as will pre-season star Hampson and rookie Sam Jacobs.
Throw in young gun Matthew Kreuzer, and the battle for Carlton's two ruck spots is sure to heat up.
The midfield will see two experienced faces added, with Judd and Stevens expected to fill key roles, and the NAB Cup will also allow for the newly appointed leadership group members to showcase their skills ahead of the final decision on captaincy.
Club's approach to the NAB Cup
Carlton chief executive Greg Swann said the club is looking at the bigger picture this year, rather than obtaining the pre-season silverware.
"We are focussed on round one, we are not focussed on the NAB Cup this year," Swann said, in the Herald Sun on January 17.
"We have won it [in the past] and then we haven't won another game, so we will do it a bit differently this time."
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
