Carlton has a few selection headaches to deal with in the lead-up to this Friday night’s Semi Final clash with Melbourne.
Jack Martin has been suspended for two weeks for striking Sydney’s Nick Blakey in last week’s Elimination Final win, but could get that downgraded to one at the Tribunal later on Tuesday.
Harry McKay will miss with concussion after a heavy knock sustained in a marking contest in the third quarter of the win over the Swans.
Blake Acres was nursing a sore shoulder late last week but is expected to play against the Demons at the MCG.
However, the Blues will have the likes of Jack Silvagni and Matt Kennedy available giving Michael Voss and his coaching staff some decisions to make.
SEN’s Sam Edmund speculated on some of the personnel moves the Blues might make for their cut-throat finals clash with the Dees.
“They definitely need to replace the concussed Harry McKay,” Sam Edmund said on SEN Breakfast.
“Blake Acres is sore and got sorer as the game went on, but will play.
“Jack Silvagni is fit and will be available for selection. That’s a decision for the Blues to make.
“You suspect Tom De Koning will need to play more forward (without McKay) to keep Steven May and Jake Lever busy with Charlie Curnow.
“There’s a lot happening here tactically, strategically and personnel wise.”
The most likely scenario at this stage is that Kennedy and Silvagni make their way in to replace Martin and McKay. Last week’s sub Jesse Motlop either remains in that role or makes way for Paddy Dow, who could provide midfield depth off the bench late.
There remains plenty to play out in that space.
While the Blues do have some queries, the Demons also have a few selection issues with Angus Brayshaw concussed and Jacob Van Rooyen suspended.
Additionally, captain and star ruckman Max Gawn has a broken bone in his foot and midfielder Clayton Oliver is nursing a sore knee, but both are expected to play.
All eyes will be on the the Thursday night selection drop as both the Demons and Blues strive to force their way through to a Preliminary Final against Brisbane at the Gabba.