John Barker admits speculation around Dale Thomas affects him

Carlton assistant John Barker admits the constant talk around Dale Thomas affects him.

Barker told 3AW Football ahead of the Blues’ clash with Sydney that Thomas is in need of a rest.

‘We feel he’s been playing reasonable footy, a little bit patchy,’ Barker said.

‘He got himself a little bit sore, so we thought the best thing to do was give him a week off.

‘There’s no doubt that the speculation and the constant talk about it is affecting his psyche.’

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