THE CARLTON Reserves have made five changes as they return to action against Southport against IKON Park.

On the back of last week’s bye, the Blues have welcomed back four AFL-listed players as numbers continue to return in the second half of the season.

The clash with the Sharks will see Cooper Lord make his debut for the Club, less than a month after being recruited to the Blues in the mid-season draft. 

The 19-year-old is likely to play in the midfield, and has already featured at VFL level this season, having been recruited from North Melbourne’s VFL side. Today’s game will mark the fourth team Lord has turned out for this season, joining North VFL, the Sandringham Dragons (Coates Talent League) as well as in the Young Guns representative game.

He’s not alone, with the Blues’ midfield profile shifting considerably on the back of some welcomed additions.

David Cuningham will play his first game in six weeks after returning from injury, while Marc Pittonet also returns to action having recovered from the finger injury which has sidelined him since the Sydney game.

Jack Carroll also returns after his omission from the AFL side, with VFL-listed youngster Darcy Hogg - son of Carlton premiership player Matthew - rounding out the inclusions as 23rd player.

Coming out of the side which endured a narrow loss to Essendon a fortnight ago are Kristian Ferronato, Bailey Lambert, Michael Lewis, Luke Nelson and Tom Phillips.