WILD times.
Carlton has named its team of 23 to take on Melbourne this Saturday night in the first ever weekend of wildcard finals football.
The Blues will have five first-time finalists in the side - plus another four players featuring for Carlton in finals for the first time - after confirming one change to the team.
Veteran defender Nick Haynes returns to the fold after missing the win over Fremantle. Haynes brings with him considerable finals experience, with Saturday night’s game to be his 15th in a glittering career.
He takes the place in the side of Wade Derksen, who has been omitted.
Will Hayward has not been named, as he was unable to get through main training on Thursday and is therefore unavailable for selection.
Derksen has been named as an emergency alongside Jack Ison and Liam Reidy.
Rising Star Jagga Smith and AFLPA Best First Year Player Harry Dean will add to a big week with their first ever final, joining Talor Byrne, Cooper Lord and Billy Wilson.
A bumper crowd is expected at the MCG on Saturday night, with a potential crowd of over 90,000. The last final between these two sides (2023 semi final) saw a crowd of 96,412 in attendance.
