CARLTON has made one forced change to its side to take on reigning premier Geelong.

After a breakthrough campaign which saw him feature 21 times in Navy Blue last year, Corey Durdin will return to the line-up for the first time in 2023.

Durdin will replace George Hewett (hand) from the Round 1 side, who was unable to get through his fitness test today.

The small forward will provide some spark to Carlton's attacking setup at the feet of Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, who will provide the attacking firepower at the Blues' end: at the other, it'll be the twin towers of Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins keeping Carlton's defenders occupied.

After an impressive backs-to-the-wall performance last week, it will once again be up to the Blues' defensive system to hold up against the Cats, as Thursday night's hosts look to stop it at the source with renewed vigour and combativeness at the contest.

Tom De Koning will shoulder the ruck load in a bout which will see him once again on the opposing side to younger brother Sam.

Last week's activated sub, Lochie O'Brien is once again an emergency alongside Josh Honey, Marc Pittonet and Lachie Plowman: the sub will be announced an hour before the game.

A bumper crowd is expected for the Blues' first home game of the season, with both sides no strangers to playing in front of a capacity MCG: the two teams played in front of over 85,000 in their respective Round 1 clashes last week.

In: Corey Durdin
Out: George Hewett (hand), Lochie O'Brien