After missing the past two weeks with an assortment of niggles, Stefan Martin is a strong chance to return for Saturday's game against Carlton at the Gabba. Martin would have to share ruck duties with super-impressive Archie Smith, but his big body would be a welcome addition to the ailing Lions.
Midfielder Jarrad Jansen and running defender Tom Cutler would also be chances to return.
Another player who could be in the mix is Josh Clayton. Clayton is yet to have his chance at Senior level, but has been in great form in the NEAFL throughout 2016. Playing an inside mid role, he's consistently finding the footy. On the weekend against Sydney, he made his highest amount of tackles for the year, had six clearances and also found a way to hit the scoreboard.
Who's in the mix for Carlton:
Marc Murphy will not return for this weekend's game at the Gabba. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media)
After their biggest loss of the season to St Kilda, the Blues will be looking for fresh faces to break an eight-game losing streak but skipper Marc Murphy, who has been sidelined since round 10 with an ankle injury, won't be one of them. He's another week away, at least.
The Blues are also hoping to give young key forward Harry McKay, their second pick in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, an opportunity at senior level before the end of the season. McKay’s debut season has been interrupted by a lower back injury and he was starting to find form with the Northern Blues at VFL level recently, but suffered another setback last Saturday when he was forced off with injury. The Blues are confident that it is not too serious and he will get his chance soon.
Andrejs Everitt, who was dropped for the Saints’ game, booted five goals in the Northern Blues’ 44-point loss to Richmond. Everitt finished with 15 disposals and seven marks.
Mark Whiley (27 disposals, eight tackles) and Jason Tutt (26 touches, nine marks) were standout performers again. Liam Jones was prominent with five contested marks and a goal, while Kristian Jaksch finished with 17 disposals, seven marks and a goal. - Howard Kotton
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