Blues stack deck for Pie shootout

CARLTON is determined to show the benefit of a brutal pre-season on Thursday with Eddie Betts and a stacked midfield ready to take on Collingwood at Ikon Park.

The Blues have a trio of key forwards in Harry McKay, Mitch McGovern and Charlie Curnow who won’t take part in the game against arch-rival Collingwood.

But Carlton is intent on showcasing its progress as cult hero Betts and returning captain Sam Docherty take part in the 4pm contest.

Jack Martin has had a strong pre-season but has had recent soreness, with the Blues still hopeful he will play on Thursday.

The club’s midfield group including captain Patrick Cripps, new leadership group member Sam Walsh, Zac Fisher and ex-captain Marc Murphy will take the field.

If Cripps, Betts and perhaps even Walsh are officially announced as playing in the Bushfire relief game next weekend they will still play on Thursday and skip a later Marsh Community Series game.

The Blues yesterday announced a seven-man leadership group that now includes Walsh, Liam Jones and Jacob Weitering. Cripps and Sam Docherty will be co-captains again, with Marc Murphy and Ed Curnow again in the group.

Walsh has played only a single season of football but was elevated in a similar manner as Bryce Gibbs, who was put into the club’s leadership group before he had played an official AFL game. But Walsh, 19, said yesterday he would have no qualms calling out a more senior teammate despite his tender years.

“It’s the beauty of our club. Everyone, no matter what your age how long you have been there or or how many games, your opinion is valued and it’s a really good culture we have got going,” he said.

“It’s a huge honour. Since I came in the doors I have felt welcome and had the confidence to be myself and had some great help and leaders around me who I have been able to grow my leadership with.”

“It is only a title but it’s a great privilege when it’s voted by the peer group. You do take it with great pride. I still have a lot of growth in the areas but I am looking forward to working with these boys.”