RELIABLE defender Sam Rowe will make his long-awaited return from a knee reconstruction, while third-year forward Harry McKay has been named for his first game of the season in Carlton's clash with West Coast at the MCG on Saturday.

The pair is among five inclusions comprising Jed Lamb, Andrew Phillips and Sam Kerridge, who have been rewarded for their strong VFL performances at the weekend.

David Cuningham and Nick Graham have been omitted, while Matthew Kreuzer (groin), Matthew Kennedy (ankle) and Jacob Weitering (thigh) exit the side which fell to North Melbourne on Saturday night.

With captain Marc Murphy (plantar fascia) also on the sidelines, Patrick Cripps will lead the Blues as acting skipper.

Not sighted at senior level since rupturing his ACL in Round 9 last season, Rowe shone for the Northern Blues on Sunday in his third competitive hitout after a knee reconstruction.

"He (Rowe) was great. He showed terrific leadership on the day to organise younger players and his ability to position and impact was fantastic," Northern Blues coach Josh Fraser said.

"Along with Andrew Phillips, he was one of our best performers on the day."

At the other end of the ground, McKay worked hard in difficult conditions to finish with seven disposals, four marks and two goals.

"I like what Harry showed on the weekend," Fraser said.

"His aerial work has been a real strength in recent weeks and he’s improving at ground level. He covered the ground as well he has in the past few weeks."

The Blues will go head-to-head with the second-placed Eagles from 4:35pm EST at the MCG on Saturday. Click here to buy tickets.

CARLTON'S ROUND 5 LINE-UP:

In: Rowe, McKay, Kerridge, Lamb, Phillips

Out: Weitering (thigh), Kreuzer (groin), Kennedy (ankle), Graham (omitted), Cuningham (omitted)

Milestone: Liam Jones (100 AFL games)