CARLTON will call on the services of Tom De Koning in Saturday’s crunch clash with Port Adelaide.

As the Blues approach the Round 18 contest with a Port outfit on a 13-game winning streak, the Blues have recalled De Koning, who will take on the ruck role after recovering from a knee injury.

De Koning, who celebrates his 24th birthday the day after the game, will be looking for an early present in his first game back in the senior line-up since before the bye.

He is Carlton’s sole inclusion into the team of 22, with George Hewett - who was substitute last weekend - elevated into the team of 22.

They take the places of Matthew Kennedy - who will undergo rehabilitation on an MCL injury - and Lewis Young, who has been omitted.

The four emergencies for the Round 18 clash are Paddy Dow, Ollie Hollands Caleb Marchbank and Jesse Motlop: the sub will be announced an hour before the bounce.

After signing fresh contract extensions on Thursday, Alex Cincotta and Brodie Kemp have both been named after impressive runs of form in the past month since their respective returns to the senior line-up.

The game will mark Jacob Weitering’s 150th AFL game after arriving at the Blues with the No.1 pick in the 2015 AFL Draft. The 2020 John Nicholls Medallist has been a staple for the Blues ever since his arrival eight years ago, with the Blues’ co-vice captain earning a reputation as one of the standout key defenders in the competition.

He’s been a key pillar behind the Blues’ return to form in recent weeks, taking 29 intercept marks since Round 11, ranking second in the competition in that time.

In: Tom De Koning
Out: Matthew Kennedy (knee), Lewis Young

After starting last weekend as sub, George Hewett has been elevated into the 22.