Two to debut for Blues but Teague coy on Betts ahead of round one

Eddie Betts is available to play for Carlton on Thursday night but whether the Blues choose to pick him remains to be seen.

Coach David Teague confirmed on Wednesday morning that off-season recruits Lachie Fogarty and Adam Saad would both make their respective Carlton debuts against Richmond at the MCG in the season opener but that Betts, who has had an injury-interrupted pre-season in which he dealt with a calf issue, was no certainty to confront the Tigers at a half-full ’G.

Lachie Fogarty will make his Carlton debut on Thursday night.Credit:Getty Images

Betts was in conversation with Carlton high performance boss Andrew Russell before joining in training at Ikon Park on Wednesday.

“He’s put his hand up. He’s trained hard. We’ll have to have a look at our mix again and we’ll see who’s pulled up today,” Teague said.

Betts told Fox Footy on Tuesday night that his limited preparation could count against him.

“If I was the coach, probably not, I wouldn’t pick me,” Betts said.

“Just say give me a full game under my belt. That’ll probably cost me, saying that.”

Key forwards Levi Casboult (knee) and Harry McKay (ankle) both got through training on Monday and are available to play.

But as of Wednesday morning the Blues still didn’t know whether they would name 22 or 23 for the date with the Tigers, though the AFL will announce the introduction of the injury substitute for 2021.

Clubs were briefed by the league at 11am, but Teague, who spoke before that, had been hopeful it would be introduced.

“Why limit it to concussion? I think it’ll be an injury sub, that’s my feel for it. I think that’s what the coaches originally wanted,” Teague said.

He added that the Blues were weighing up two options for the substitute spot if the rule was enacted, but didn’t elaborate on who those players were.

Teague said ex-Geelong small forward Fogarty had earned his spot.

“His pressure and the way he’s played, his ability to hold balance and give some really good system ahead of the ball and on-ball has been really good for us.”

With Carlton having missed the finals for seven straight seasons, the gauntlet had been laid down by Blues premiership coach Robert Walls that Carlton must make the final eight this year for Teague – in his second full season as senior coach – to secure his job.

Blues coach David Teague addresses the media.Credit:Getty Images

Teague played down the commentary but said the Blues were determined to make the eight.

“I’m not too concerned about the commentary. I understand our players have worked really hard, and last year we were in a lot of games and didn’t get the results, and we probably got a bit frustrated. The expectation comes from within, and we understand that. We’re going to drive that. We set the standard high. The way they’ve trained, the way they’ve prepared, they’ve set the standard high.

“I think the close games we were in last year will hold us in good stead. We had lots of learnings, now we need to get better. We’ve won plenty of quarters but we’ve had lapses.

“We want to play finals. That’s what this football club’s here to do and we need to get better to do that. That’s where we’re at.”

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