CARLTON coach Brendon Bolton is thrilled to have prized recruit Jacob Weitering on the flight to Sydney ahead of their clash with the Swans tomorrow at the SCG, and predicts the No.1 pick will again spend time on Lance Franklin.
The Blues left on Friday morning with Weitering on board, despite the defender copping a corked leg in last week's close loss to the Eagles.
Bolton was impressed his star defender was able to play under duress last Sunday, kicking two crucial goals which kept the Blues in the contest.
"We want to grow all our players to play multiple positions and it was great to see Weitering under a little bit of duress," Bolton said.
"Good signs for our future."
The Blues face a tough task however, with the fifth placed Swans coming off a disappointing loss to the reigning premiers and keen to bounce back.
Weitering’s ability to move forward could again be put to use, but he’ll also have football’s toughest challenge thrown his way at some point on Saturday – containing Franklin.
"They’ll be times when he does (play on Franklin) because we play collective defence,” Bolton said.
The Carlton coach knows his side must be switched on if they are to have any chance against the Swans’ imposing midfield brigade.
"It’s a ground where you’re going to have a lot of contested footy and stoppages, stoppages are going to be critical," he said.
"We know they’ve got some real strong bodies in around there Parker, Kennedy, Hannebery.
“So it’s going to be a great contest for Gibbs, Curnow, Cripps, we’re looking forward to that challenge.”
The Blues are ranked 18th (130.6) in the competition for contested possessions while the Swans sit first (164.0).
Key forward Levi Casboult makes his return to the side, which Bolton knows provides his side with much needed structure.
"We’re happy to have Levi back because he straightens up our forward-line," Bolton said.
The former Hawthorn assistant coach also wanted to show his appreciation for the career of Sam Mitchell, who plays game 300 on Sunday against Richmond.
"The one thing that always stood out with Sam is he’s always trying to better himself, he’s looking for those little one per centers on all fronts, true professional," he said.
