ROUND 1 ready.
Carlton has named its team of 23 to take on Richmond in its first home game of the 2026 season.
Looking to bounce back from a disappointing second half against Sydney, the Blues have confirmed three changes for the clash with the Tigers.
As flagged by AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss on Tuesday, Lachie Cowan and Matthew Carroll are once again available, with the boyhood Bluebaggers to play their first games of the season.
Both players got through their respective VFL returns last Friday for the Carlton Reserves, and will provide the Blues with some bounce coming out of the back half.
Cowan returns to the scene of his debut against the same opposition three years ago, while Carroll’s last game against Essendon in Round 24 saw him awarded a Telstra AFL Rising Star nomination.
They are joined in the line-up by Hudson O’Keeffe, with the big man recalled for the clash with the Tigers.
O’Keeffe broke through for five games last season, and will provide the Blues with both ruck relief and a tall target in the front half of the ground.
Adam Saad will miss with a hamstring injury, while Ashton Moir and Liam Reidy have been omitted.
Thursday night’s traditional Round 1 game kicks off from 7:30pm at the home of football.
