THE Carlton Reserves have named an experienced team for the Round 2 VFL clash with Williamstown.

Opening their 2026 season at IKON Park on Sunday morning, there’s more than a few familiar faces for the VFL Blues for the game against the Seagulls.

Matthew Cottrell will play his first game of any kind in 11 months, having recovered from foot and knee injuries which have sidelined him for the better part of the year.

Nic Newman will return from suspension after a pair of VFL practice matches in pre-season, while Adam Saad is also back in action after the hamstring injury sustained in Opening Round.

The Blues will get some key experience from Blake Acres and Lachie Fogarty as well as Nick Haynes, who is one of nine players to feature for the Carlton Reserves for the first time in a VFL game.

Despite being initially named in the VFL team on Friday evening, Jordan Boyd won't feature in the VFL game on Sunday due to AFL emergency commitments.

That includes Jack Ison and Wade Derksen, as well as VFL recruits Darcy Tucker, Jack Sammartino, Will Cookson and Tom Evans.

The game will be live streamed on the AFL website, with the action kicking off at IKON Park from 11:05am.