CARLTON has made one change for its eighth annual AFL Carlton Respects Game.

After coming out of the side due to suspension last weekend, Jesse Motlop has earned his senior recall for the clash with the Brisbane Lions.

Motlop enjoyed a purple patch of form earlier this year, kicking six goals in four games, before he received a one-week suspension for rough conduct which ruled him out of last week’s win over West Coast.

The second-year Blue will be looking to replicate his showing from last year’s AFL Carlton Respects Game, where he kicked a career-best three goals in just his fifth game of senior football.

Motlop comes into the side for Zac Fisher, who has been omitted.

Fisher is named among four emergencies for the Blues alongside Lachie Cowan, Lachie Fogarty and last week’s sub in Matthew Kennedy: one will be named as sub an hour before the bounce.

The game will mark Sam Docherty’s 150th AFL match, a telling milestone for Carlton’s favourite son. Fittingly, Docherty’s 150th will be against the Brisbane Lions - his first club - and will be coached by Michael Voss, who was at the helm of the Lions when Docherty made his debut.

It’ll be a double milestone for the Blues, with Adam Saad to play his 50th game in Navy Blue. Saad, who brought up his 150th career game late last year after stints as a Sun and Bomber, moved to the Blues at the end of 2020 and was named as an All Australian for the first time last season.

Matthew Owies will make his return from a four-week absence via the VFL, while Tom De Koning has entered concussion protocols and will be unavailable for selection this week. Sam Durdin has commenced his rehabilitation and is aiming to be available in 2-3 weeks.

In: Jesse Motlop
Out: Zac Fisher, Matthew Kennedy