Following a meeting with coach Brett Ratten on Friday afternoon it appears that Lance Whitnall will now make a decision on his football future. Reports that the club has sacked Lance have been denied, however it is believed Ratten told Whitnall that due to his degenerative knee injury his future is very limited.

Whitnall the Carlton Captain in 2007 missed seven games (rounds 13 to 19) due to the degenerative knee injury and was clearly hampered in a number of other games during the year. The injury continues to be a major frustration for Whitnall. He was unable to complete the pre-Christmas training program last year and when he did commence training his program was restricted impacting his preparation for games. 

Lance underwent a post-season operation on the knee and while the injury is considered no worse than it was last year there continues to be concerns over Whitnall’s ability to train fully and prepare for another season.

Whitnall is a Best & Fairest Winner, Club Captain and 200 game player and it would appear the reports that he has been sacked are exaggerated. There seems little doubt that his future is limited and that he has probably played his final game for Carlton. However as would be expected of the Carlton Football Club, when the immediate playing future of such a wonderful club player is being discussed, it is appropriate that every opportunity is investigated before an official decision is made.