Carlton will upgrade rookie Blaine Johnson ahead of this weekend's game against the Western Bulldogs on the back of a six-goal haul in the VFL.
The Blues have confirmed they are in the process of elevating medium-sized forward Johnson to their senior list in time for Saturday night's clash with the Dogs at Etihad Stadium. It is a response to injury concerns, and Johnson's form for the Northern Blues.
It will be the second straight year Johnson, 19, has been a mid-season promotion. The West Australian played five games under Mick Malthouse in the second half of last season.
Johnson has kicked goals in all eight of his VFL games this year, and been named in the Northern Blues' best five times. He bagged six at Etihad on Sunday in the side's win over Frankston.
The impending elevation also adds to the intrigue surrounding Troy Menzel's availability. Goal-sneak Menzel was substituted out of the round 13 win over Gold Coast with a knee issue. He is listed as "test" on the Blues' injury list. Andrew Walker (knee) and Andrew Carrazzo (toe) are also in some doubt for the weekend's game.
Carlton can upgrade Johnson, having placed ruckman Robert Warnock on the long-term injury list after his season-ending shoulder injury, and returning nominated rookie Ciaran Sheenan (groin) to the rookie list having initially been elevated to the senior list before round one. The Blues also upgraded ruckman Cameron Wood prior to the season. There is further room for Carlton to promote rookies, with Dale Thomas (shoulder) joining Warnock on the sidelines for the remainder of 2015.
