'I don't want to be brutal': Caroline Wilson explains concerns with Blues' fitness program
Caroline Wilson is concerned that Carlton's outgoing fitness boss, Andrew Russell, has caused more damage than the club is willing to admit, as the Blues slipped out of the top eight after round 22.
Russell announced that season 2024 would be his last, as he prepares for retirement whenever Carlton's campaign draws to a close.
It follows the Blues' dismal 74-point loss at the hands of Hawthorn in round 22, which saw them slump to ninth on the ladder, with just two home-and-away rounds remaining.
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Russell has been put under the microscope after a plethora of soft tissue injuries have plagued the Carlton playing group throughout 2024, headlined by the decision to play an underdone Charlie Curnow in the loss to the Hawks.
Curnow ended up re-injuring his ankle, while Adam Saad was removed with a hamstring complaint and Jack Martin also left the game early with a hamstring issue.
Andrew Russell and Michael Voss during Carlton's clash with Richmond. AFL Photos via Getty Images
On top of that, Lachie Fogarty injured his shoulder in a mid-air clash, while Jordan Boyd was forced to play on, despite injuring his adductor.
And a day after the loss, more injury news came to light, with key forward Harry McKay sent for scans on a quad issue.
The injuries from round 22 add to an already bulky list of stars on the sidelines, headlined by ruckman Tom De Koning.
De Koning is out with ongoing lung and foot issues, while Adam Cerra is also still sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Charlie Curnow is helped off the ground and into the rooms with an ankle injury in round 22 for Carlton. Getty
Orazio Fantasia (calf), Sam Docherty (knee), Corey Durdin (shoulder), David Cuningham (shoulder) and Matthew Cottrell (shoulder), make up just some of the other players who may not return in 2024.
Now, Wilson is urging the Blues to put the spotlight on the damage done by Russell, while also turning their attention to the players not stepping up in the absence of their stars.
"I don't want to be brutal about Andrew Russell, who did some brilliant stuff at Hawthorn. But you can't say the same of his job at Carlton," Wilson said on Nine's Footy Classified on Monday night.
"You can't say he fixed their high performance."
While Wilson is confident the Blues will stick with coach Michael Voss, she's not so sure other staff around Russell and the fitness department, will be there come 2024.
"They've made the call that Michael Voss is their man. That, I believe, is the right decision," she said.
"But I still think there will be moves made underneath Michael Voss.
"The big question now, is who is going to take over the high-performance role, and how are they going to fix their medical team?
Lachie Fogarty and Jack Martin were out of the Blues' loss to Hawthorn with injuries. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"Clearly more changes have to be made. And I think there is some big questions on a number of players."
However, Kane Cornes has called for calm at Princes Park, urging Blues fans to focus simply on willing their team into the finals.
"To question the names (players) ... I'm not sure why we do that, because we did that last year and they turned that around (and made the preliminary final)," he said.
"I think it's incredibly reactive to do that (question players). You take out your ruckman (De Koning); your key forward (Curnow), your star, is playing injured.
Carlton walk off after their round 22 loss to Hawthorn. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"The injuries you've had this year disrupt all your continuity.
"Carlton fans need to relax. I think it's unfair to question the footy staff."
The Blues face off against West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday evening, in a must-win clash to keep their finals hopes alive.
