Influential key forward Darcy Fogarty and dependable wingman Isaac Cumming were late outs for the Crows ahead of their clash with Fremantle on Good Friday, and their coach, Matthew Nicks, has given mixed news regarding their availability ahead of a must-win clash with Carlton.
Cumming was withdrawn with a virus, and was on the cusp of taking the field for the eventual loss against the Dockers, but the Crows opted not to risk him. He is expected to put his hand up for selection this week.
Fogarty on the other hand, is not.
The big man is suffering from a back injury, and with the Crows opening the round's proceedings on Thursday night, Crows medicos have opted not to rush his recovery.
It's a big blow for a side sputtering to start to the season. The Crows lone victory thus far came against also-rans Collingwood, while they have been vanquished by the Dockers, Cats and Bulldogs, despite acquitting themselves admirably in all three contests.
Carlton have been infamously poor in second halves this season, but rather effective before the main break. Nicks is wary of a smarting outfit making the journey from Melbourne, this week.
“Their first halves have been outstanding, they're one of the best starting teams in the competition… We've got our work cut out for us because we're not necessarily starting well, so we've got a real focus on the start of the game and how we go about that,” he said.
