White out to cement Blues spot

Simon White clears out of defence. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

A RARE uninterrupted summer has buoyed Simon White's campaign to break into Carlton's back six set-up this season.

White reckons he can finally become a regular defender in his fourth year with the patient Blues.

"I hadn't even been close to doing a full pre-season, so it's exciting,'' the 24-year-old said after training today.

"At the moment, we've got all our backs up and running, so there's a lot of competition for spots. But, hopefully, I can cement a spot in there and help out up forward when need be.''

White's bid to impress with consistency continues in the NAB Cup against Fremantle at Etihad Stadium tomorrow night.

He's striving to build on solid form in the last five rounds last season after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for more than three months in the first half of 2012.

"At the end of last year, I got some games in and felt pretty confident with the body and felt like I fitted in quite well. So with a full pre-season under my belt, I'm still trying to get some game-time. I've missed a lot of games over the last few years and I think that will come.''

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The 190cm backman has managed only 17 AFL games after battled knee, hamstring, hip and ankle ailments since being recruited from WA in 2010.

He credits development coach Luke Webster, now the Northern Blues VFL coach, and new coaches director Robert Wiley with the guidance to fight back to full fitness.

"Missing a lot of games in a row and trying to get consistency in performance is very tough when you've had a lot of injuries. But we've got great people at the club,'' he said.

Forced to look on for so long, no wonder White is eager for the full NAB Cup games like the hitout against the similarly defence-minded Dockers.

"It feels like you're getting back into real footy. The 20-20 games are pretty tough to get a feel for. Obviously, there was a lot of changes in teams with a lot of personnel coming out and in, so tomorrow will be more of the normal game,'' he said.

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"It will be a good test. We've also been working under the defensive aspects under Mick. Everyone knows he (Ross Lyon) is all about defence as well, so obviously whoever can break it open will win. We've been focusing on things we can do to open it up.

"Obviously, it (the Blues' game plan) is a little different to last year, but not huge change. Everyone is saying we're going around the boundary, but it's not too different the way the boys have taken it on board. The more games we play, it will be easier.''
 

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