Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has proven that he is serious about winning the NAB Cup Grand Final against the Brisbane Lions on Friday night, naming star midfielder Chris Judd for this first match of the competition.
The former captain is yet to play so far this year after suffering a slight hamstring strain in the off-season, but he’s hoping to help his side to their first piece of silverware since the 2007 pre-season cup.
“(I’ve) never won a NAB Cup Grand Final before so it’ll be good to have a run. The hamstring’s feeling good, so I can’t wait.”, Judd told the media today.
Malthouse understands that the in-form Lions won’t be easy beats despite struggling in previous seasons but the legend coach, in his first year at the helm of the Blues, is there to win on Friday night.
“We’re going to put a very competitive side out there and our goal is to come away with some silverware” Malthouse said today.
Carlton are also expected to name their new captain ahead of the game, after Judd stood down during the off-season. Midfielders Andrew Carrazzo and Marc Murphy are thought to be the front runners to take the reigns for season 2013.