Blues back Bolton
Kreuzer, Silvagni and Stocker in Carlton selection frame
CARLTON is adamant it has unwavering faith in Brendon Bolton as it prepares to turn to Matthew Kreuzer and Jack Silvagni in its search for an elusive victory.
The club’s loss to Gold Coast was a comedy of errors as it handed Gold Coast half a dozen chances in the final two minutes before Jack Bowes finally converted.
But head of football Brad Lloyd said the club was united behind Bolton despite only 15 wins in 70 games at Carlton.
“There is going to be scrutiny at this time, which is what comes with the start we have had, but there is a lot of belief around the group. We just aren’t consistent for long enough,” he said.
“We need to improve but there is a really strong belief across the football department and the whole club. We just need to get some reward.”
The Blues haven’t scored 80 points in 18 games and have issues with midfield-forward connection, horror skill errors and organisation, after tactical breakdowns late against the Suns.
Bolton’s unique rolling contract will give the club a chance to assess his prospects at season’s end, but the club hierarchy remains staunch in support of him.
“He is certainly hurting from the game, but the type of character he is, he came out swinging today and was ready to go and attack the week,” Lloyd said. “He is a strong resilient character and has shown good leadership through the year. He will dig in and get back into it.”
Worryingly for Bolton, the club has half a dozen players in career-best form, including Patrick Cripps, Harry McKay and Liam Jones, as well as high-profile recruits but continues to struggle.
Liam Stocker is nearing an AFL debut after being named emergency last week, playing as a small defender in the VFL and putting his explosive speed and beautiful field kicking to good use.
Kreuzer is a certain starter against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday after a 121-rankingpoint best-afield performance in the VFL.
He looked in commanding form with 15 possessions, 27 hitouts and a goal, set to add real grunt to the midfield.
Jack Silvagni is also a likely inclusion after a 90-ranking point game with two goals, 20 possessions and five tackles.
The Blues have continually tried to kick to small targets Michael Gibbons and in Round 3 Cam Poulson despite an array of key position targets.
Alex Fasolo has had little influence in the senior side and is listed as a test after a back spasm early in the VFL last week. The club will need to make a priority of a Jamie Elliott-style mid-sized forward who can regularly kick goals at the end of the season.