DAVID Cuningham will make his return to action in today's VFL curtain raiser.

The versatile speedster will play his first game for the season after his recovery from a shoulder injury. He missed the entirety of the 2022 season after an ACL injury and a calf injury, meaning today's contest marks his first game in nearly two years at any level.

He's one of two inclusions to the VFL line-up, joining youngster Patrick Dozzi for his first game of the season.

Coming out of the side are Sam Durdin (hamstring) as well as VFL co-vice captain Zavier Maher (knee).

Lachie Fogarty will continue his return from back surgery after his successful comeback game last weekend, with it likely that he will build on the scheduled game time of his return.

The four of Carlton's AFL emergencies that have been named - Paddy Dow, Josh Honey, Lochie O'Brien and Lachie Plowman - could still come out of the side before the VFL bounce, pending any AFL sub or holdover emergency requirements.

The game begins at 12:55pm AEDT, with the Round 2 VFL clash to be live-streamed on the AFL website.