MICHAEL Jamison regularly gets some of the biggest jobs in the AFL.
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As Carlton’s number one big defender, he is week-in week-out going head-to-head with the likes of Geelong’s Tom Hawkins, Collingwood’s Travis Cloke, Hawthorn’s Jarryd Roughead and the Sydney Swans’ Kurt Tippett.
They are man mountains – physically some of the most powerful players in the competition.
It can be an unforgiving task.
If ever the value of Jamison in all-too often undermanned Carlton defence was highlighted, it was in the Blues’ loss to Hawthorn on Friday night.
After being sidelined with a shoulder injury – something which has hounded Jamison for most of his AFL career – his contribution to the team has never been more evident.
He was missed. Badly missed.
Matthew Watson, with just 17 games for the Blues under his belt, was thrown into fire to take on the might of Roughead and company and unfortunately for Carlton did not cut the mustard.
Sam Rowe has been a solid contributor, but he needs Jamison at his side.
As far as Carlton is concerned, Jamison cannot return quickly enough.
Hopefully his return comes as soon as this weekend, with Carlton to face the improving Greater Western Sydney Giants in Sydney on Sunday.
The Blues have had enough close losses and this is a game they cannot afford to lose.
GWS has some big power forwards in Jeremy Cameron and Jonathon Patton.
Carlton needs Jamison.
david.brehaut@fairfaxmedia.com.au