Michael Hurley’s health Essendon’s main concern as Carlton Blues prevail

“He has had a hard few weeks. It’s not a great thing being in hospital and having an infection. We don’t really know when he is going to be back but it is a good thing seeing him out of hospital and back around the boys,” Caracella said.

Hurley was earmarked to play forward in 2021 and although there is a chance he might return within the first half of the season young forward Lachlan Jones took his chance in attack alongside veteran Cale Hooker while James Stewart and Jordan Ridley held down key defensive posts.

Caracella was impressed with Jones as well as the performance of recruit Jye Caldwell who was the Bombers’ best inside midfielder as he attempted to scrap against star Blue Sam Walsh with Carlton winning the midfield battle overall.

BOMBER MOUNTS A CASE

Alec Waterman has pushed his case to be added to Essendon’s list via the pre-season supplemental listing period with a four-goal performance for the Bombers against Carlton in a pre-season hit out at Ikon Park on Thursday.

Three of Waterman’s goals came in the last quarter when an impressive Carlton had the match won.

“We will see what happens with contract-wise,” Caracella said.

Defender Aaron Francis suffered a rolled ankle but otherwise the Bombers came through unscathed with Nik Cox pressing his case for a round one debut in an impressive outing as the young Essendon outfit blooded six new players including an energetic Archie Perkins.

Caracella said Jake Stringer remained three or four weeks away as he battles an Achilles injury while Andrew McGrath will be available as he missed with concussion. David Zaharakis is not expected to play in the community series match next week against Geelong.

NEW BLUES CATCH THE EYE

Carlton’s high profile recruits Zac Williams and Adam Saad were among the Blues’ best after a scrappy start from both teams. Williams will add some zip around the packs and has the ability to push forward while Saad is sure to benefit from the new man on the mark rule.

Blues’ defensive coach Dale Amos said the new rule should suit Carlton as they looked to move the ball quickly from defence with Saad and Sam Docherty both rebounding defenders.

“We’re excited. The players, and the umpires as well, are adapting to the fact it is a new rule and there is a new adjudication but it is fast and we like it,” Amos said.

All eyes were on the Carlton forward-line with Charlie Curnow, Mitch McGovern and Eddie Betts all out injured and tall forward Harry McKay sent a scare through the camp when he limped off in the last quarter with what Amos said was a rolled ankle.

The Blues rotated several players through the forward-line with midfield bull Patrick Cripps taking a strong mark in the goalsquare late in the game while Paddy Dow was impressive inside 50 and in the middle while ruckman Marc Pittonet even managed to take a screamer in front of goal in the second half.

The Blues are keen to allow Zac Fisher to settled inside 50 and he was lively kicking three goals and using his lateral step to create space while Marc Murphy is also likely to play as a high half forward.

“Murph has really bought into playing a slightly different role at stages … it doesn’t mean he won’t play in the midfield but he and Zac Fisher are two that have really stood out as guys who have played a bit of midfield time in the past and have really embraced playing a different role for the team,” Amos said.

“They are classy players who add a bit of polish for us up front,” Amos said.