Carlton crisis deepens with Silvagni in doubt for Pies clash

2 months ago 33

Carlton’s on-field woes have worsened with defender Jack Silvagni in doubt for Friday night’s clash with Collingwood at the MCG.

Silvagni is nursing a groin issue, and did not join in training with the main group on Monday.

He was restricted to jogging alongside Harry McKay in the rehabilitation group, having been managed through the final term against Port Adelaide on Thursday night.

He was seen in deep conversation with fitness and medical staff.

Silvagni, an unrestricted free agent, has been nursing the groin issue since he was subbed out of the clash against Sydney in round 10. He missed the following match, before the mid-season bye.

In a rugged year for the Blues, Silvagni’s emergence as a key defender has been one of the few highlights.

Fellow defender Jacob Weitering, nursing an ankle issue, trained strongly, and appears likely to face the Magpies.

Weitering was hampered against the Power, with key forward Mitch Georgiades taking full advantage before Weitering was switched off him.

The 2024 All-Australian was hurt against North Melbourne a week earlier but played out the game.

He appeared concerned about his ankle before Thursday night’s match, but took the field.

The 11th-placed Blues, with a 6-9 win-loss record, will need a fit Weitering if they hope to defeat the Magpies.

Carlton coach Michael Voss and player Flynn Young at Melbourne Airport on Friday.

The Blues were in good spirits at training on Monday, as they attempt to rebound from a 50-point loss to the Power which all but ended their finals hopes, and plunged the club into crisis.

AFL great Nathan Buckley said on Monday the Blues had been “rudderless” at times this season.

“Every now and again it looks rudderless, it looks like there is no clear direction, isn’t that understandable when you look at the questions on the coaches’ tenure, the expectations of the season compared to the way the season has panned out, the performance of the talented players, and the inconsistency,” Buckley said on SEN.

“There are so many questions at Carlton, and rightfully so, because their performances haven’t supported the talent they have on their list. But, as we know, at the top level of footy, it’s not as much about the talent you have on the list as much as it is about getting the most out of what you have available, and that’s not necessarily when things are going your way. It’s how you are going to get in the trenches and get your hands dirty and come together when the going gets tough.

“Carlton haven’t done that well enough or often enough.”