CARLTON has confirmed its team to take on Melbourne this Sunday at the MCG.

After announcing its extended squad on Thursday, the Blues have confirmed a pair of inclusions to take on the Dees - 17 days after the Blues’ last game against Richmond.

Following the announcement yesterday that Talor Byrne would make his AFL debut, there’s a further change in the Blues’ front half, with Francis Evans returning to the fold.

It’s Evans’ first game for the season, recovering from a knee injury which sidelined him before the bye.

Wearing protective goggles in 2026, Evans had quite the rise in the final month of last season, kicking 12 goals from his last five games as a dangerous half-forward.

02:12

Match Committee | Fraser on Round 3 team selection

Assistant Coach Josh Fraser discusses team selection ahead of Sunday's clash with Melbourne.

Lachie Fogarty has been omitted, while Matthew Cottrell, Nic Newman and Adam Saad will all get minutes for the Carlton Reserves in their first game of the campaign on Sunday morning at IKON Park.

Mitch McGovern will play his 100th Carlton game this weekend, with the Round 3 clash kicking off from 3:15pm.

Carlton v Melbourne

Round 3 •

MCG, Melbourne • VIC