MIDFIELD boosted. 

Carlton has named three inclusions for its Gather Round opener against Adelaide. 

As slated prior to last week’s win over North Melbourne, Sam Walsh will return for the Blues. 

Playing his first game of the 2023 season, Walsh will provide some on-ball reinforcements alongside his fellow inclusions. 

The co-vice captain is joined by Blake Acres and Matthew Kennedy in the starting 22, returning from suspension and injury respectively. 

They replace Sam Docherty (knee), Lochie O’Brien and Josh Honey (omitted). Jack Carroll, who was last week’s sub, also comes out of the side. 

The Blues’ substitute will be one of Carroll, Honey, O’Brien and Lachie Plowman.

Carlton will also have a milestone to celebrate, as Zac Fisher chalks up his 100th game in the Navy Blue. 

Chalking up a century of games since his debut in Round 4, 2017, Fisher enters the Gather Round clash on the back of a 28-disposal performance last weekend. 

Here's the latest on five Blues on the injury front.

Jordan Boyd (foot) – full training, available in 1-2 weeks.
Matthew Cottrell (foot) – full training, available in two weeks.
Sam Docherty (knee) – underwent surgery for a meniscus tear this week. Expected to be available in 4-6 weeks.
Caleb Marchbank (calf) – will integrate back into skills next week.
Matt Owies (hamstring) – expected to be available in Round 8.

Round 5 team v Adelaide

Backs:

Lewis Young

Jacob Weitering

Adam Saad

Half-backs:

Nic Newman

Mitch McGovern

Lachie Cowan

Centreline:

Adam Cerra

Patrick Cripps

Ollie Hollands

Half-forwards:

Zac Fisher

Harry McKay

Jack Silvagni

Forwards:

Ed Curnow

Charlie Curnow

Jesse Motlop

Followers:

Tom De Koning

George Hewett

Sam Walsh

Interchange:

Blake Acres

Corey Durdin

Matthew Kennedy 

 

Marc Pittonet

    

Emergencies:

Jack Carroll

Josh Honey

Lochie O'Brien

 

Lachie Plowman

    

 

In: Blake Acres, Matthew Kennedy, Sam Walsh
Out: Sam Docherty (knee), Jack Carroll, Josh Honey, Lochie O'Brien