The Blues could feature three club debutants against Essendon on Sunday, including two playing their first AFL game.

Former Giant Rhys Palmer, 2015 first-round draft pick Harry McKay and 2016 No.61 draft pick Tom Williamson have been named in the Blues' extended squad following impressive performances for the Northern Blues at the weekend.

The trio joins Sam Kerridge as Carlton's inclusions, with Dennis Armfield (omitted) making way.

Meanwhile, Essendon has been boosted by the return of first-choice ruckman Matthew Leuenberger.

Heath Hocking, Matt Dea, James Stewart and Mitch Brown are the Bombers' other inclusions, with Ben Howlett (hamstring) and Michael Hartley the confirmed outs at this stage.

Carlton's 25-man squad will be reduced to 22 at 5pm on Friday ahead of Sunday's match against the undefeated Bombers, which kicks off at 3:20pm AEST.

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Carlton's extended squad for Round 3:

Backs15. Sam Docherty22. Caleb Marchbank43. Simon White
Half-backs6. Kade Simpson17. Sam Rowe20. Lachie Plowman
Centreline11. Sam Kerridge9. Patrick Cripps35. Ed Curnow
Half-forwards39. Dale Thomas23. Jacob Weitering1. Jack Silvagni
Forwards46. Matthew Wright41. Levi Casboult5. Samo Petrevski-Seton
Followers8. Matthew Kreuzer4. Bryce Gibbs3. Marc Murphy (C)
Interchange from:30. Charlie Curnow16. Billie Smedts10. Harry McKay
 24. Rhys Palmer26. Harrison Macreadie33. Jarrod Pickett
 31. Tom Williamson  

In: Palmer, Kerridge, Williamson, McKay

Out: Dennis Armfield (omitted)

New: McKay (Gippsland Power), Williamson (North Ballarat Rebels)