Josh Bootsma’s former AFL teammates have not raised any objection to his shock sacking, according to Carlton coach Mick Malthouse.

The Blues announced on Tuesday they had terminated the contract of the former first-round draft pick for a long list of discipline issues, the latest being the inappropriate use of social media.

Carlton football manager Andrew McKay noted management made the call and that “it was above a decision of the leadership group”.

Malthouse said on Wednesday there had been no player push to lobby for a less severe punishment.

“They’re all on board. There has been no indicator that the players aren’t behind what the club has done, at all,” Malthouse said.

“And they’ve had an opportunity to speak about it.

“Every player understands the extent to which this football side has gone to enhance their own lives – on and off the football field.

“(They know) how much time has been put into Josh to make it easier for him to play AFL.”

Malthouse was disappointed for Bootsma and admitted some of his charges would have formed close bonds with the 21-year-old.

“(Fellow draftees) grew up with him. Some of them probably lived with him,” he said.

Aside from the litany of off-field issues, Bootsma’s departure puts further strain on the Blues’ on-field depth.

Hamstrung superstar Chris Judd is a chance of returning against Geelong on Friday night if he gets through training this week.

Dennis Armfield, Ed Curnow and Andrew Walker are also approaching fitness, but Malthouse conceded pressure for selection at the 12th-placed club is currently minimal.

“We are a very young reserve side,” Malthouse said.

“I’m not here to hand out games.

“Whoever has this notion of ‘play all kids and drop senior players’ has never coached.

“(If you play somebody who isn’t ready) it will destroy that kid and take him a long time to recover.”

Bootsma did not play a senior game this season, but with 14 AFL matches under his belt was more ready than most in the VFL.

Instead he becomes the third Carlton player to end this season prematurely, joining retired duo Nick Duigan and Heath Scotland.

“There’s not one player in history that hasn’t been able to be replaced,” Malthouse said.