CARLTON'S list management team is expected to meet on Tuesday to begin planning how it can use the AFL's newly introduced rookie rules to replace injured co-captain Sam Docherty.

The Blues had intended to retain the one vacant spot on their rookie list through until next year's mid-season draft, but could see that strategy dramatically altered by Docherty's second ACL injury in just over a year.

The devastating blow is expected to rule the star defender out for most, if not all, of 2019.

However, under the AFL's new supplemental selection period (SSP) laws, Carlton can now replace Docherty by signing a previously-listed footballer, or a state-league player who had previously nominated for a NAB AFL Draft, to its rookie list through until March 15, 2019.

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While a number of quality state-league defenders have already been picked off – including Sam Collins, who went to Gold Coast, and Marty Hore, who was recruited to Melbourne – it leaves the Blues with a host of interesting options to consider over Christmas.

Veteran defender Brendon Goddard had been hoping to earn another chance on an AFL list, having not had his contract renewed at Essendon earlier in the year, but officially announced his retirement last week.

Goddard told Sportsday WA on Monday that hopes of a comeback were "wishful thinking", but statistically the 33-year-old might be the best option to fill Docherty's sizeable void.

He would be one of few players almost certain to make an instant impact, given his AFL experience, having played all 22 games with the Bombers last season.

Such experience is a trait Carlton may emphasise, given the Blues have already swapped their future first-round draft pick with the Crows in a trade that saw them secure Liam Stocker. They did so confident they could rise up the ladder next season.

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Therefore, if Carlton is after a pure stop gap that it can plug into its youthful back six for one year and one year only to avoid a future-trading disaster, Goddard may be someone it strongly considers.

Should the Blues turn their attentions towards the state leagues, multiple names stand out, including many with AFL experience under their belts.

Delisted North Melbourne duo Mitch Hibberd and Alex Morgan could be considered after performing consistently with the club's VFL affiliate, while another former Kangaroos player in Brad McKenzie could also be pushing a return to the highest level.

After 37 AFL games, he has returned to the SANFL with Norwood and rated elite for disposals, ranking points, marks, intercept marks and intercept possessions last season.

Former No.4 draft pick Jimmy Toumpas was also among the highest-rated SANFL defenders after a year in which the ex-Demon averaged 24.7 disposals and 101 ranking points per game.

Former Kangaroo Mitch Hibberd may be a possibility for the Blues. Picture: AFL Photos



If the club looks for younger, longer-term options, 20-year-old Coburg defender Tyson Lever has developed nicely after returning to Victoria a year ago.

The younger brother of Melbourne defender Jake Lever, the 187cm prospect had spent a year with Adelaide's SANFL side before impressing in the VFL in 2018. He averaged 20.5 disposals across half-back, rating elite for marks, intercept marks and intercept possessions.

Taylor Grace, 23, was also among the highest-ranked VFL defenders after a strong year with Frankston, while 24-year-old Perth product Michael Sinclair excelled in the WAFL.

Sinclair, a former club best and fairest winner, rated elite in a host of key statistical categories last season, including disposals, kicks, ranking points, rebound 50s, contested possessions, marks, intercept marks and intercept possessions.

Carlton had already added to its defensive depth during the most recent trade and draft period, trading for Nic Newman from Sydney on deadline day and bolstering its key position stocks by selecting former St Kilda player Hugh Goddard in the rookie draft.

Father-son prospect Ben Silvagni was taken with pick No.70 on draft day, though he remains raw, while highly rated youngster Tom Williamson will return from a year on the sidelines with a back injury to reinforce its defensive stocks after 15 games in his maiden season.

However, in a pivotal year for the club as it moves into the second stage of a rebuild led by Brendon Bolton and Stephen Silvagni, Docherty's loss leaves room for an 11th hour signing.

How the Blues use that availability will add an intriguing wrinkle to an interesting summer.

Carlton's SSP options

Name (League) G D RP M IP KE Brendon Goddard (AFL) 22 22.3 78 6.2 4.8 73.6% Taylor Grace (VFL) 11 20.2 89 4.5 4.7 67.5% Mitch Hibberd (VFL) 16 22.8 89 4.4 5.1 57.3% Tyson Lever (VFL) 11 20.5 87 5.5 7.5 72.2% Jimmy Toumpas (SANFL) 15 24.7 101 7.0 5.9 68.5% Brad McKenzie (SANFL) 16 20.5 99 7.9 6.1 76.1% Michael Sinclair (WAFL) 13 25.9 110 7.3 8.7 70.9%

* Stats courtesy of Champion Data