Carlton Blues midfielder Sam Walsh out for six weeks with foot injury

The construction of a roofed stadium in Hobart is a key condition for the Devils to join the league. Loading “All I am saying is, a heavy dew is the worst playing conditions, even when it is heavy rain,” Matthews said, adding it was a similar situation to the humidity in Darwin. “And the games are a terrible spectacle up there most of the time because there is heavy humidity. When it is raining, you expect the ball to be wet, you can adjust a little bit, but the heavy dew or the heavy humidity like Darwin, [which] I put in the same category, they are terrible spectacles because the playing conditions are poor.” Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania have both raised concerns about the design of the proposed stadium’s roof, pointing to the potential for shadows that would negatively affect playing conditions and broadcast quality.

Regardless of the state election, the Devils were likely to have split their home matches between the existing stadium in Hobart, Ninja Stadium (Bellerive Oval), and Launceston in their first season in 2028. But the latest political drama, complete with split public support for the stadium, could mean the project is delayed even further. Brisbane Lions premiership coach Chris Fagan, a proud Tasmanian, said it was important the state galvanised to ensure the team – and stadium – went ahead. “Sometimes I just shake my head about what happens in Tasmania. This is probably the best bid there has been for a team, [there’s been] so much work done. It feels so close, but still feels a little bit too far away for my liking,” Fagan said on Saturday. “Hopefully all the political stuff will settle down and Tasmanians will band together, particularly from a political sense, and get the team up and going.”

Blues blow: Walsh out with foot injury Scott Spits Carlton have been hit with another injury blow, with star midfielder Sam Walsh sidelined for up to six weeks with a foot injury. The Blues said 24-year-old Walsh reported foot soreness after training on Friday. They said there was no fracture in the foot and he would not need surgery. Star Carlton midfielder Sam Walsh. Credit: Getty Images

“During yesterday’s main training session, Walsh reported foot soreness and has subsequently undergone a series of scans and consultation over the last 24 hours,” the Blues said in a statement on Saturday. “The extent of the issue has been confirmed this morning, ruling Walsh out of the trip to Perth and the coming weeks,” the Blues said. “The club can confirm there is no fracture in the foot, therefore no surgery is required, however a period of recovery is now needed to allow the injury to settle.” The Blues have already earmarked Walsh to return in either round 19 or 20.

Loading “Sam was unable to complete yesterday’s main training session after reporting soreness in his foot, with further examination confirming a hot spot in his foot,” said Brad Lloyd, Carlton’s general manager of football. “Given he does not require surgery, Sam will aim to return to the side in just over a month.” The Blues have already lost Nic Newman (knee), No.3 draft pick Jagga Smith (knee) and Brodie Kemp (Achilles) for the rest of the season, while Coleman medallist Harry McKay will miss his second straight match due to knee soreness when the Blues face West Coast on Sunday night (AEST) at Optus Stadium. The Eagles have made three changes from the team that lost to North Melbourne by 10 points last week.

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