Long wait over for Blues

Jay Clark and Matt Windley argue over the captain's loophole and what to do with Jack Viney, Brad Crouch and Lewis Stevenson.

Eddie Betts wills home a shot at goal at Visy Park today. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

A smiling Mick Malthouse at Carlton training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON forward Jarrad Waite will make his long-awaited return in the VFL on Sunday.

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse said today Waite, who has not played yet this season because of a calf injury, would play as much game time "as he can''.

"It's been a long haul, a long wait so we will see how he pulls up and go from there,'' Malthouse said.

"But he has trained very well over the past couple of weeks. The old saying, when they are ready, give them another week.

"He is like any player, he doesn't want to have `patience' listed next to his name. He just wants to get out there.

"He's had to be reasonably patient over that period because the leg just didn't respond early on and it has in the last, probably, month.

"He has had to do a mini-pre-season.''

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Malthouse said how long Waite spent in the VFL depended on how his body responded.

"It's not a matter of how many goals he kicks or how many footballs he touches, it's a matter of getting through, understanding his body, which he does, us understanding that he can get through a game of football,'' Malthouse said.

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"I think the system is 'Get it right'. Let's not be rushed into anything regardless of the result this week or whoever we play the following weekend.''

The Blues have made just one change for tomorrow's clash against Adelaide at the MCG, bringing in Eddie Betts for Aaron Joseph.

"He (Betts) is a very valued player, has an enormous impact with the playing group, they all love him, so it is good, very good (to have him back),'' Malthouse said.
 

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