EMERGING key defender Matthew Watson has had some good newsin the wake of his season-ending foot injury, re-signing with Carlton to theend of 2015.
Watson has also received a positive preliminary prognosis onthe injury he suffered in the Blues' loss to the Western Bulldogs on Saturday,with Carlton confident he will not need surgery.
The 21-year-old told AFL.com.au on Monday scans had revealeda hairline fracture at the top of his left foot.
Watson will be assessed by a specialist on Tuesday but theBlues believe his foot will heal naturally in time for the start of 2014 pre-seasontraining.
"I went for a kick and I followed through and hit oneof the Bulldogs players in his foot or his shin," Watson said.
"The doc thought it was ligament damage, got a fewscans and it showed a hairline fracture at the top of my foot.
"I'll be in a (moon) boot for the next three to fourweeks and then I'll be back for pre-season, don't worry about that.
"I've got a bit of time off after the season. I'm goingto rest up and let it strengthen up before we get back into training inNovember."
Watson was due to come out of contract at the end of thisseason, but Carlton re-signed him for the next two years following hispromising form over the past five rounds.
At 195cm and 100kg, Watson shapes as one of the key planksof Carlton's 'spine' over the next decade.
The key defender was the Blues' first selection at the 2010 NABAFL Draft at No. 18 overall, but struggled for senior opportunities in thefirst half of 2013.
Watson earned a recall in round 16 after working hard on thebalance of defence and attack in his game, and on his acceleration off themark.
"I got caught on the lead a few times by my opponentand it was just a matter of doing a lot of work on my speed (and) accelerationduring training," Watson said.
"That's improved and it's helped me get a game."
Significantly, Watson's ability to hold down a key defensivepost before his injury allowed Carlton to play fellow tall Lachie Henderson inattack.
"It was good to get the confidence up, get a few kicks.I was pretty happy to string a few games together," Watson said.
"At themoment I'm playing my best footy in defence. We've got a good group down there… and if we have all the backmen playing well and 'Hendo' in great form kickinga few goals that gives us a strong target down forward.
"So I've just got to keep playing well (next year), sowe can keep Hendo up in the forward line and keep getting wins."
A booming left-foot kick, Watson has played 16 games for theBlues.
Nick Bowen is a reporter with AFL.com.au. Follow him onTwitter @AFL_Nick
