Star returns as Blues mount MCG push

Carlton will regain star midfielder Adam Cerra for its Friday night blockbuster against Collingwood as coach Michael Voss joined calls for the Blues to play more games at the MCG.

Cerra has recovered from a hamstring strain and will take on a rejigged Collingwood midfield missing premiership duo Jordan De Goey and Tom Mitchell in front of an expected crowd of more than 90,000.

Voss said the Blues considered the chance to play in front of big MCG crowds “a privilege” but reiterated the club wanted to play more of its home games there instead of Marvel Stadium.

Under its deal with the Docklands venue, Carlton plays six of its home games there and five at the MCG.

Star returns as Blues mount MCG push

The agreement is reportedly due to expire at the season’s end, with Blues president Luke Sayers and chief executive Brian Cook this week both publicly stating their desire to adjust the balance of their home games from next season.

Carlton notched 100,000 members for the first time in its history on Monday, joining Collingwood, West Coast and Richmond as AFL clubs to reach the milestone.

Voss said Blues members were voting with their feet on the club being given extra home games at the MCG.

“We’ve spoken about that, I know that’s certainly on the agenda for the club,” he said.

“I think at the end of the day it’s probably over to the AFL to decide, but certainly people are making a strong statement about turning up and being present at the MCG.

“We’d love that to happen, but we also understand there’s a process to go through to make that happen, but where we can explore it, we will.”

Voss said Cerra, who suffered a hamstring strain in the lead-up to round 5 and has missed three matches, could have faced the Cats but had been held back after a recent history of hamstring issues.

“He’s come up quite well – could’ve been right on the edge last week. We were a bit more conservative, so he’s been able to train really well so he’ll be ready to go,” Voss said.

Injury-riddled forward David Cuningham, who has missed the last five weeks with a calf injury, was in the frame for selection against the Magpies after he trained fully at Ikon Park on Thursday.

Voss said Mitch McGovern was “not ready” for the Friday night clash as he recovered from his own hamstring injury but was “more likely” to return against Melbourne next Thursday.