Blues’ standout defenders given the green light to take on undefeated Geelong.
Carlton coach Michael Voss has confirmed that star players Jacob Weitering and Zac Williams will definitely be in the starting lineup for their AFL clash against the undefeated Geelong team. Weitering had been dealing with a thigh issue, while Williams had a calf knock during Carlton’s last game against Greater Western Sydney. However, both players have shown enough progress in training sessions leading up to the match to be cleared for defensive duties against Geelong at the MCG on Saturday night.
“They’ve had a pretty good week,” Voss mentioned to reporters on Friday. “I checked on them this morning, and they’re good to go… We’re quite satisfied with their condition.”
Weitering’s return is particularly crucial for Carlton, as they aim to contain Geelong’s formidable forwards Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron. Voss expressed relief at having Weitering back, emphasizing his importance to the team’s defensive structure.
“We’re a better team with him out there, and he’ll play a significant role,” Voss stated. “They’ve got two big guys up front that pose some problems for teams, and certainly have in the past. We’re aware of the challenge ahead of us.”
In terms of tactics, Voss revealed that Carlton will maintain a two-pronged ruck setup, with Marc Pittonet partnering with Tom De Koning. De Koning, who spent most of his time in attack in the previous game against the Giants, is set to face his younger brother Sam De Koning, a key defender for Geelong.
Geelong, meanwhile, has made some changes to their lineup, with Rhys Stanley returning as the primary ruckman and Cam Guthrie making his comeback after a year-long absence due to a foot injury. However, star defender Tom Stewart will be sidelined due to concussion protocols.
