Bolton hopes tonight’s the night

BRENDON Bolton doesn’t subscribe to the theory that teams can be “due”. But with Carlton staring at a 0-6 start to a season for the first time in its history, he would be hoping tonight is the night against the Western Bulldogs.

“I think every week we’d love to be due,” Bolton said with a smile yesterday.

Midfielder Matthew Kennedy and defender Caleb Marchbank return tonight, but Jacob Weitering remains sidelined after missing last week with a corked thigh.

Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer has recovered from the groin injury that kept him out of Round 5 but, on the advice of the medical staff, won’t play.

“He’s pretty much right to play, however as a club we’re going to make a decision not to play him just because his training has had no continuity,” Bolton said.

“Sometimes you’ve got to protect people like ‘Kreuz’. He wants to be out there. He’s a warrior.”

Bolton said his side had shown promising signs in a hard-fought 10-point loss to West Coast at the MCG last week and a meeting this week, led by injured captain Marc Murphy, rammed home the positives.

“They had a really strong meeting as a group and they’re determined in this next block of games to keep growing and look for the little wins,” Bolton said.

“Even though it wasn’t totally the result we wanted last week, there were some wins in quarters that they’re just going to grow off.

“I thought ‘Murph’ pushed those points really strongly this week.”

Murphy, who is still three weeks away from returning from his foot injury, also had some advice for stand-in captain Patrick Cripps, who had 34 touches and 11 tackles against the Eagles.

“In our leadership meeting this week, both ‘Crippa’ and Murph said, ‘What a game, feel really good about it, Crippa, as an individual, but move on, mate’,” Bolton said.

“‘Enjoy it until Monday, but then move on because you need to reproduce’. I really like that attitude, of both of them.

“Crippa just embraces the contested side of the game ... I don’t think there’s anyone who’s had such contested numbers. It’s inspirational for others.”