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Carlton coach David Teague has provided an update on the status of the Blues’ injured players, including Charlie Curnow’s troublesome knee.
The Blues have an injury list longer than most clubs and their first Marsh Community Series match is less than a month away.
Teague said he doesn’t know when to expect a Curnow return.
“My expectation is that he looks after himself, prepares well and does all the training. He’s been doing that at the moment so how long (a return) will take will be guided by the physios and the doctors,” Teague told SEN Breakfast.
“We just want him to do everything that he can to get back.
“It’s not a great feeling when you’re watching your teammates have a bit of fun so he wants to be part of it and we can’t wait to get him back when he’s ready.”
Carlton have spent the week on camp in Mooloolaba, where Sam Walsh suffered a facial injury scare in a contest with Tom De Koning.
Teague said he’s glad the players are going hard in training drills.
“I think he got either a knee or an elbow and just split him open but he’s fine,” Teague said on Walsh.
“What I’ve loved about our pre-season is their intensity and the way they’ve gone about it.
“I was pretty proud of both the boys, the way they competed in that contest.”
Entering his first full season as coach, Teague said he’s encouraged by the return of captain and 2017 All-Australian Sam Docherty.
“He’s an ultra-professional and he’s doing everything we’ve asked of him on and off the field,” he said.
“He’s training well and tracking really nicely and looking forward to getting into the games. So far in the match play he’s been very good.”
Talls Harry McKay and Mitch McGovern are also “progressing very well” for a return.
“We’re starting to get excited, they’re doing a bit of ball work off to the side and will be integrated into training very soon,” Teague said.
“From what I’m hearing from the physios and the high-performance team, they’re doing everything right.
“Harry was doing goal kicking without footballs and visualising – you can see his professional attitude and I think he’ll fit in pretty quickly when he’s back.”
Listen to David Teague's chat on SEN Breakfast in the player below