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The Blues used him as a running defender last season and were looking forward to his rebound alongside Adam Saad this year with Sam Docherty preparing to play in the midfield more often.

Williams’ injury, and to a lesser extent Philp’s, will raise further questions for the club hierarchy as they endured a shocking run of injuries last season which derailed their finals chances. Philp has played just two games since being pick 20 in the 2019 national draft.

President Luke Sayers said injury management had been an area of focus during the off-season, but the Blues are uncertain when star midfielder Sam Walsh will return from back surgery (they hope within the first month of the season) and Matt Cottrell has a navicular stress fracture. Caleb Marchbank and David Cuningham are on modified programs.

The Blues are desperate to make finals, having just missed out last season, with the AFL banking on their rise by delivering them primetime fixtures for the season ahead. Their strong list is led by Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps, forwards Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow, defender Jacob Weitering and Walsh, who would be considered among the best top five players at any club in the competition.