Up to nine new Blues could make their first appearances this week, with Carlton today naming an extended 29-man squad for Thursday night’s NAB Challenge opener against Hawthorn.

One of those is No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering, who joins fellow newcomers Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay, Sam Kerridge, Matthew Wright, Jed Lamb, Andrew Phillips, Daniel Gorringe and Andrew Gallucci in the squad.

Dale Thomas and Nick Graham have also been named for their long-awaited returns from injury, while exciting Irish rookie Ciaran Byrne could play his first game since Round 3 last year.

Patrick Cripps and Andrew Walker won’t make the trip to Launceston, as workloads are managed to get the team in the best shape possible for Round 1.

Carlton’s 29-man squad will be trimmed to 26 on Thursday, with an extended bench of eight players and no cap on rotations.

VIDEO: Coach Brendon Bolton previews the Hawthorn game

There will be no time-on/off in the first 15 minutes of each quarter - unless a goal is kicked or there is a major delay – while the final five minutes of each quarter will revert to normal time-on/off rules.

Rule interpretations will also change in the NAB Challenge, with the protected area surrounding a player who has taken a mark or been awarded a free kick to increase from 5m to 10m.

Carlton kicks off at 7:10pm against Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium, with the match to be televised live on Fox Footy and Blues membership/merchandise available at the ground.

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Carlton's squad to take on Hawthorn:

*BOLD indicates new Blue