Thompson backs Carlisle before AFL clash

Essendon coach Mark Thompson denies he is “blueing” with key position player Jake Carlisle ahead of the Anzac Day blockbuster against Collingwood.

Carlisle has had a mixed start to the season and Thompson said earlier this week that the rising star needed to work harder in games.

After impressing in defence last season, Carlisle is being used this year as a key forward.

Thompson spoke about Carlisle in his weekly video message to Essendon members on Thursday night about team selection.

“Gee, Carlisle – he got a game, fancy that,” Thompson said sarcastically.

“We’re not blueing at all, it’s just a matter of coaching these young men.”

The Essendon coach denied that he and Carlisle argued at one point during last weekend’s loss to St Kilda.

“It got talked about that I was having a fight with him – well, it couldn’t be further from the truth,” Thompson said.

“I’m actually a big supporter of the kid.

“Good luck to Jakey, he wants to play.

“We’ve had a few talks this week and I think he’ll do really well.”

Essendon have taken a selection gamble, naming defender Courtenay Dempsey for his first senior game of the season.

It comes in the same week that Demsey was recalled from a club suspension for not meeting their professional standard, which was imposed earlier this month.

Thompson revealed that Dempsey’s team-mates had lobbied the coaching staff for his recall.

“We’re all very, very happy that he’s in,” Thompson said.

“He’s missed it, he’s had a job, he’s done his rehab and he looks really fit.

“The players really wanted me to consider getting the coaches to put him into the team.

“He excites the team with his pace.”

Thompson added Heath Hocking (groin) and David Myers (hamstring) were not serious injuries.

He said the Bombers did not want to risk sore players early in the season.

While in-form Collingwood are unchanged, Essendon have also regained Jason Winderlich and Zach Merrett and dropped Leroy Jetta.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!