Blues invite two to train over summer
Two-time Liston Trophy winner Michael Gibbons is on the cusp of getting a long-awaited chance in the AFL after being invited to train with Carlton.
Williamstown midfielder/forward Gibbons, who claimed the VFL's highest individual honour in 2016 and 2018, has been joined by Dandenong Stingrays wingman Matthew Cottrell as a Blues triallist.
Gibbons, 23, and Cottrell, 18, will train with the Blues until February 28, at which point Carlton will decider whether to recruit either or both of them as part of the recently introduced supplemental selection period.
One of the openings on the Carlton list came following the serious knee injury suffered by co-captain Sam Docherty, who will be unavailable for the second straight season. The Blues had already left one spot open for a potential SSP player.
“It’s terrific to have both Matthew and Michael join our pre-season program, they have great potential and are both extremely excited about this opportunity,” Blues list manager Michael Agresta said on the club’s website.
“We rated both players highly before the draft, so it is great we have another opportunity to get a look at them. They have the potential to further boost our midfield depth which we have really strengthened during the trade and draft period.”
Agresta said Carlton were already reasonably well-placed when it came to replacing half-backman Docherty.
“You look at our list as it stands in that area of the ground with the experience of Kade Simpson and Dale Thomas, coupled with the dash of Tom Williamson, Lochie O’Brien and the addition of Nic Newman.
“Lachie Plowman and Caleb Marchbank will also be back after their injuries last season so we are confident there is already healthy competition to fill that half-back position.
“Building strong depth across every position is important, that will be our focus as we finalise our playing list heading into the 2019 season.”
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