Carlton are supremely confident star midfielder Chris Judd will be a starter for their AFL round-one clash with Richmond despite his absence from the pre-season cup.
The former skipper was again left out of the Blues side to face Adelaide and will automatically book a place in the NAB Cup grand final with a win at AAMI Stadium on Friday night.
Training strongly in the heat at Visy Park on Thursday, Judd will definitely play next week – either in the decider or a NAB Challenge game against another AFL club.
Assistant coach Gavin Brown said there was no danger of the 29-year-old Judd missing game one against the Tigers on Saturday March 9.
He said Judd supported the club’s stance which was designed to make sure he played out the season.
“Juddy’s going really well and training wonderfully well,” said Brown.
“It’s more about management and getting him right and we expect him to be right next week.”
The Blues say they have no concerns about Judd adapting to their new game style, initiated by incoming coach Mick Malthouse.
“We do a lot of structural work and game style at training and Chris has been involved in that,” said Brown.
“That, plus he’s a very smart footballer … it’s certainly not a concern.”
Adelaide have named a formidable side for the clash, and have proven form in the NAB Cup after winning last year.
Carlton have a few injury concerns with David Ellard (hamstring), draftee Nick Graham (knee) and rookies Andrew Collins (ankle) and Rhys O’Keeffe (heel) all out for at least a month.
Andrew Carrazzo will captain the Blues against the Crows in his audition for the vacant top job but Brown wasn’t giving away anything on who was likely to permanently lead the team.
“Mick said from the start he was going to give the leadership players a chance to captain at each of the NAB Cups and that finishes off tomorrow night.
“The match committee will then sit down and discuss the pros and cons but, whichever way we go, we’re confident we’ll have a very good leader.”