CARLTON has made three changes for Saturday’s clash with Gold Coast.

Playing against the side where his AFL journey began, the Blues have welcomed back Adam Saad for the first time since Round 5.

The All Australian made an outstanding start to the 2024 campaign before a medium-grade hamstring strain sidelined him: however, he returns to give the Blues some bounce from the back half.

Also welcomed back into the fold is Lachie Fogarty, who injured his wrist back in Round 4.

Earning his reputation as a barometer for the Blues’ forward pressure game, Fogarty - who led the competition for forward-50 tackles before his injury - will look to provide much of the same in his first game since April.

Rounding out the inclusions for the Blues is Lachie Cowan, with the second-year Blue earning a recall to the senior side after he was the Carlton Reserves’ best last weekend in an after-the-siren loss to Williamstown.

Marc Pittonet (finger injury) was confirmed as a forced change earlier this week, while Caleb Marchbank has been managed. Corey Durdin has been omitted.

Jordan Boyd, Jack Carroll, Alex Cincotta, Fogarty and George Hewett have been named on the interchange, with the Blues to name their sub an hour before the bounce.

Jesse Motlop will play his first game for the 2024 campaign on Saturday morning for the Carlton Reserves, returning via the VFL against the Suns at IKON Park. 

In: Lachie Cowan, Lachie Fogarty, Adam Saad
Out: Marc Pittonet (finger), Caleb Marchbank (managed), Corey Durdin