Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Carlton will resist parachuting ace defender Jacob Weitering back for its season-defining match with St Kilda this Sunday.
Weitering has had a difficult season, sustaining a rib fracture in the State of Origin clash, a concussion and consistent calf setbacks.
The Blues vice-captain has not played since round 12 against Geelong, leaving the last line of defence to emerging star Harry Dean.
Carlton could edge closer to cementing a top-10 finish by defeating the Saints, but interim coach Josh Fraser says Weitering needs a managed run in the VFL first.
“Jacob has progressed well, he will be available to play some minutes in the VFL this week,” Fraser said.
“With all of these situations, and decision makings, around players returning, it’s always done with what’s best for the player in mind.
“Weiters has done an enormous job with his rehab, he really has. I think all our Carlton supporters should hear the work that he’s put into getting himself back playing.
“He will continue to progress through the VFL this week.”
Carlton took a sledgehammer to reigning premier Brisbane Lions last weekend to blow the race for the finals wide open.
Fraser could not be drawn into commenting on whether previous regimes would have rushed Weitering back despite him being short of a gallop.
He said monitoring Weitering’s return through the reserves was “logically” the “right progression”.
“It’s hard for me to speak about previous years, not having been here,” he said.
“But my approach is always take all the information and ultimately do the best thing for the player.
“He’s missed a fairly decent amount of time and he’s working incredibly hard to get back.
“Logically, this is the right progression for him to get some minutes in the VFL.”
