CARLTON has named a trio of changes to its team to take on Sydney in Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

Named for his first senior game in over a month, Tom De Koning will return to the line-up, partnering Marc Pittonet. 

De Koning missed two VFL games following a concussion but starred for the Carlton Reserves four days ago, amassing 24 disposals, eight marks and 34 hitouts against Williamstown. 

He’ll be joined by Brodie Kemp, who returns to the AFL fold following a strong response with a 23-disposal performance in the VFL across half-back.

The duo take the places of Jack Silvagni and Lewis Young, who have been omitted alongside Ed Curnow.

The third change sees George Hewett return as a starter after he featured last weekend as sub, where he was activated at half time. It means Hewett will join Nic Newman in playing against their former side under Friday night lights.

One of Curnow, Silvagni, Young and Lachie Fogarty will be named as sub an hour before the bounce.

The game will mark Mitch McGovern’s 50th Carlton game: fittingly, it comes against the Swans, where Mitch’s dad Andrew started his career before crossing to Fremantle.

There’s also updates on the injury front for five Blues.

Jack Carroll (hamstring strain) – expected to be available in 2-3 weeks.
David Cuningham (calf) – returned to full training this week. Test to play next week.
Sam Durdin (hamstring) – Hasn’t progressed as expected. Timelines for his return will be known soon.
Jack Martin (calf) – trained on Wednesday but will likely miss this week. Aim is to be available next week.
Lochie O’Brien (knee soreness) – available.

In: Tom De Koning, Brodie Kemp
Out: Ed Curnow, Jack Silvagni, Lewis Young

After starting last weekend as sub, George Hewett has been elevated to the starting 22.