CARLTON has called on a pair of inclusions for the 2026 AFL Carlton Respects Game on Friday night.
In the 10th anniversary of the Club’s flagship community initiative, the MCG will be decked out in orange on what promises to be another special night on the Navy Blue calendar.
Returning to the fold is Jacob Weitering, with the co-vice captain once again available after missing the win over Port Adelaide due to a calf injury.
The former All Australian will lead a Carlton backline which has conceded its two lowest scores of the season over the past fortnight, but will have its hand full against a talent-ladened Geelong forward line.
Weitering takes the key defensive role of Wade Derksen, who has been omitted.
The second of two changes is the return of Blake Acres, who replaces Matthew Carroll on the wing after the youngster’s knee injury.
Acres has been in consistent form for the Carlton Reserves in 2026, averaging over 27 disposals throughout his last five games while kicking six goals in four games. He was the Blues’ holdover emergency last weekend.
Derksen has been named as an emergency alongside Hudson O’Keeffe and Zac Williams.
The 2026 AFL Carlton Respects Game kicks off from 7:40pm at the MCG.
