Carlton fans will be pleased to know that the team is set to welcome back some valuable defensive players for their game against West Coast. All-Australian defenders Sam Docherty and Adam Saad, as well as Brodie Kemp, have all been named in the squad for the upcoming game.
Docherty, who was injured three weeks ago, has trained fully this week and is ready to take on the Eagles. Meanwhile, Saad has only missed one week following a hamstring strain late in the game against Adelaide. Both players are crucial rebounders for the Blues, and will be joined in the defensive half by Brodie Kemp, who will be playing his first game of the 2023 season.
Kemp has been in impressive form for the Carlton reserves so far this season, averaging over 27 disposals in the VFL. He was named among Carlton’s best in his last game against Richmond, where he tallied 31 disposals and 11 marks. He will play alongside Docherty and Saad on the half-back flanks.
The Blues will be without Jesse Motlop, who has been suspended, and Lachie Cowan, who has been managed. Matthew Kennedy and last week’s sub, Lochie O’Brien, have been omitted. Emergencies for the game include Cowan, Kennedy, Tom De Koning, and Lachie Fogarty, with one of the four to take on the role of sub.
In addition to the return of the three defenders, Carlton will also be celebrating Lewis Young’s 50th AFL game. Young, who started his career at the Western Bulldogs, has been in career-best form this season and has been a mainstay in Carlton’s backline since his debut in Round 3 last year.
With the return of some key players and Young’s milestone game, Carlton will be looking to secure a win against West Coast and get back on the winner’s list this weekend.
