Carlton co-captain Patrick Cripps has sung the praises of recruit Zac Williams.
Williams is set for increased minutes through the midfield this season after playing predominantly across half-back for former club GWS.
Cripps says the ex-Giant is a “tackling machine” who’s creativity and outside class will help the Blues “punish the opposition”.
“We played a bit of match simulation the other day and he got a fair bit of it," the star Blue told SEN Breakfast.
"He’s just so creative, he doesn’t waste a ball which is a huge thing.
“What’s surprised me is how competitive he is - he’s a tackling machine.
“He’s only played a few games in the midfield over the last few years, but he gets high clearance numbers, high tackles and high contested possession, which is going to be really beneficial for our group, just adding that class on the outside to really punish the opposition.
“Then you’ve got Adam Saad off half-back, we’ve got some pretty creative players there which I think last year was probably an area that we lacked a bit.”
Williams will don the Carlton jumper for the first time in their AAMI Community Series fixture against St Kilda on March 4.
The Blues take on reigning premiers Richmond in the season opener on March 18.