Carlton midfielder Brock McLean believes it’s time for his skipper Chris Judd to step down from the top job.
It’s been rumoured that 29-year-old Judd is preparing to hand over the captaincy duties and McLean says it’s the best thing for both Judd and the side.
“I can only speak for myself but personally I think it would be the best thing for Chris to focus on his footy,” McLean said.
“The best player Chris can be for the footy club is … he’s probably the best player at the club and I think he’s best off focusing on his footy.”
McLean, who in October signed a one-year contract extension with a performance-based option of a second year, said Andrew Carrazzo and Marc Murphy were the stand-out candidates to replace Judd.
“Caraz is probably a little bit more experienced and a bit older than Murph and has been around for a bit longer so I reckon he’s got a pretty good handle on things and the way he talks to the playing group both in a positive and a demanding manner is something that we need.
“Marc Murphy’s best way of leading is by example and his performances in the last two years when he has been out in the park has been outstanding, so those two blokes come to mind for me.”
The Blues were back in action at Visy Park after their high-altitude training camp in Arizona.
New coach Mick Malthouse was amongst the thick of the action, involved in ball drills with his players.
McLean said Malthouse had been a “breath of fresh air” for the under-performing Blues.
“I suppose having a year out of the game his passion for coaching has probably grown a little bit.
“He’s energetic, he’s hands-on and he’s still very passionate about the game and understands it very well.”
He said that everyone was out to prove themselves to the new mentor.
“Reputations count for nothing and that can be a really good thing for the playing group because it drives competition and pushes players to maybe areas they’ve never been before and gets them out of their comfort zone.”