Carlton assistant coach David Teague has given an update on young Carlton defender Tom Williamson’s recovery from a back injury.
Williamson sat out the entire 2018 season with a back issue, after playing 15 games in his debut year in 2017.
“He was progressing well, he’s been out of training the last couple of weeks,” Teague told SEN's the Captain's Run.
“I’m not exactly sure what his timeline is, I’m doubtful he’ll be ready for Round 1 in terms of just having enough game-play into him.
“He is a player we really value and when he was on track he was exciting.”
Carlton take on Essendon in their first game of the JLT Series at Ikon Park and Teague expects the Blues to roll out a strong side.
“There’s definitely going to be a focus for Round 1 and some management, but the continuity of getting some games together will help us,” he said.
“We’ll be trying to get our best team out there that will be ready for Round 1 and getting them playing games together.
“We’ve brought a few new guys in and a few draftees and if we can get them playing well together, the group will improve so I’m expecting a pretty strong team next week.”