CARLTON has named its extended squad of 26 to take on arch rival Essendon on King Birthday’s Eve.

In the Blues’ first Sunday game of 2024, they’ve named four inclusions to the team which defeated Port Adelaide last Thursday night.

One player who won’t feature this weekend is Orazio Fantasia, who will miss another match against a former side after being part of that victory a week ago.

Fantasia has come out of the squad as a forced change, with the forward unable to complete the main training session today as a result of an AC joint sprain sustained against Port Adelaide.

The four inclusions into the squad - which will be reduced to the team of 23 on Friday at 5pm - are Jaxon Binns, Corey Durdin, Caleb Marchbank and Jesse Motlop, all of who have been named on an extended bench.

George Hewett has also been named on the extended bench ahead of what would be his 50th game in the Navy Blue since his arrival at IKON Park heading into the 2022 season.

And yes, Harry McKay has been named.

In: Jaxon Binns, Corey Durdin, Caleb Marchbank, Jesse Motlop
Out: Orazio Fantasia (AC joint sprain)

Carlton's team of 23 will be announced on Friday at 5pm.