Blues prepare for star Cat Holmes to play; Haynes not sighted at training

Carlton will prepare for Geelong star Max Holmes to return for their elimination final at the MCG on Friday night.

Holmes hasn’t played since fracturing his ankle in round 19 but is pushing for a return as the Cats try to find a way to beat the Blues who have become one of the form sides of the AFL since Fraser took charge.

Fraser was typically calm at his press conference on Wednesday, admitting he would prepare for both scenarios but expected Holmes to play.

“Both. I think we have to be prepared for him to play and for him not to be available to play,” Fraser said when asked about the Cats playmaker.

“He’s a proven player who adds a lot to their side and, at this stage, I’m erring on the side of him being available.”

While the Blues don’t want to get too caught up with opposition match-ups, Fraser did admit Holmes makes a big difference to Geelong.

“[It’s] significant when you pair him with Bailey Smith and their running capacity they bring and ball-winning ability,” Fraser said.

“That poses some real challenge for us, but what we’ve tried to do ... is not tie ourselves in knots around the opposition and continue to focus on what we do well.

“It’s always that balance in being well-prepared for the opposition strengths and making sure you are prepared to bring yours to the table.”

One concern for the Blues will be defender Nick Haynes who wasn’t sighted at training on Wednesday morning and still needs to prove his fitness after playing through an ankle issue in the wildcard win over Melbourne.

Haynes may still be able to prove his fitness closer to game time, and his experience and poise are important to Carlton’s defence.

“It’s fair to say he was a bit sore post game, and he’s probably slowly progressed quite well throughout the week, the early parts of the week,” Fraser said, speaking before training on Wednesday.

“So he’ll need to train again today to prove his fitness, but we’re hopeful on that one.”

Fraser was coy about the prospect of forward Will Hayward returning to the side after failing to prove his fitness last game.