CARLTON has welcomed some back-line bounce to the fold with its three inclusions for the trip to Perth.
As the Blues aim to return to the winner’s list this weekend against West Coast, they can call upon the services of All-Australian defenders Sam Docherty and Adam Saad, as well as Brodie Kemp.
After being injured three weeks ago, Docherty has trained fully all week and is ready to take on the Eagles this Saturday.
He joins Saad as crucial rebounders for the Blues, with the fan favourite missing just the one week following a hamstring strain late in the game against Adelaide.
Named on the half-back flanks, Docherty and Saad will be joined in the defensive half by Brodie Kemp for his first game of the 2023 campaign.
One of the Carlton Reserves’ best so far this season, Kemp comes into the team after averaging over 27 disposals in the VFL, including 31 disposals and 11 marks in his last game against Richmond.
It was confirmed earlier in the week that Jesse Motlop would come out of the side due to suspension, while Lachie Cowan has been managed.
Matthew Kennedy and last week’s sub Lochie O’Brien have been omitted.
Cowan and Kennedy are joined by Tom De Koning and Lachie Fogarty as emergencies, with one of the four to take on the role of sub.
With his selection this weekend, Lewis Young will play his 50th AFL game.
In career-best form this season, Young - who started his career at the Western Bulldogs - has been a mainstay in Carlton’s backline since his Navy Blue debut in Round 3 last year.
Saturday's game kicks off at 5:30pm local time in Perth (7:30pm AEST).
Round 7 team v West Coast |
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Backs: |
Nic Newman |
Jacob Weitering |
Brodie Kemp |
Half-backs: |
Sam Docherty |
Mitch McGovern |
Adam Saad |
Centreline: |
Sam Walsh |
Patrick Cripps |
Ollie Hollands |
Half-forwards: |
Ed Curnow |
Charlie Curnow |
Jack Silvagni |
Forwards: |
Corey Durdin |
Harry McKay |
Zac Fisher |
Followers: |
Marc Pittonet |
George Hewett |
Adam Cerra |
Interchange: |
Blake Acres |
Alex Cincotta |
Josh Honey |
|
Lewis Young |
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Emergencies: |
Lachie Cowan |
Tom De Koning |
Lachie Fogarty |
|
Matthew Kennedy |
In: Sam Docherty, Brodie Kemp, Adam Saad
Out: Lachie Cowan (managed), Jesse Motlop (suspension), Matthew Kennedy, Lochie O’Brien