NICK Haynes will play his first game of the season when Carlton heads to Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.

Opening up Gather Round against the Crows for the second time in four years, the Blues have named three changes to their side.

Veteran Haynes is recalled to the Blues’ backline in place of Jacob Weitering, who was concussed on Good Friday.

The Blues have altered their midfield mix, omitting George Hewett, while Will Hayward also comes out through suspension.

Carlton’s coaches will be able to call on Zac Williams, who returns to the side following a rib injury: where the experienced Blue features on Thursday night remains to be seen, having the capacity to play back, midfield or forward.

Hudson O’Keeffe rounds out the Blues’ inclusions, providing the Blues with an extra marking target as well as ruck support for Marc Pittonet.

Adam Cerra and Mitch McGovern will each play their 150th AFL games, with McGovern’s milestone to come against the team where he began his AFL career.

Thursday night’s game kicks off from 7:40pm AEST (7:10pm local time).