Carlton has named its 27-man squad ahead of Friday night’s NAB Challenge clash with Sydney. 

It’s the Blues' third pre-season match and marks their last chance to test themselves against AFL opposition before the official season kicks off on Thursday 24 March. 

Carlton will be boosted by the inclusion of experienced players, including Matthew Kreuzer, reigning club champion Patrick Cripps, Dale Thomas and Andrew Walker, who all make their way into the side. 

Patrick Cripps has been named for his first match of 2016. (Photo: AFL Media)

Skipper Marc Muprhy, who is back to full training after recovering from a shoulder injury, will miss Friday night’s match, but is on track to play in Round 1 against the Tigers.

Carlton’s Head of Football Andrew McKay says the Club has taken a “conservative approach” with the captain.

“While Marc is back to full contact training, it was a line-ball decision on whether to play him on Friday night," McKay said.

“We’ve taken the conservative approach, Marc will get a heavy load of training in over the coming days to ensure his progress for the season opener in two weeks remains on track.”

Carlton's squad to take on Sydney: 

Sydney's squad: 1. ROSE, James, 4. HANNEBERY, Dan, 5. HEENEY, Isaac, 6. MITCHELL, Tom, 7. CUNNINGHAM, Harry, 8. TIPPETT, Kurt, 10. JONES, Zak, 11. LAIDLER, Jeremy, 12. KENNEDY, Josh, 13. NANKERVIS, Toby, 14. MILLS, Callum, 15. JACK, Kieren, 17. HISCOX, Jack, 18. SINCLAIR, Callum, 22. TOWERS, Dean, 23. FRANKLIN, Lance, 24. RAMPE, Dane, 26. PARKER, Luke, 27. ROBINSON, Daniel, 28. NEWMAN, Nic, 29. HEWETT, George, 32. TALIA, Michael, 33. JACK, Brandon, 39. GRUNDY, Heath , 40. SMITH, Nick, 41. PAPLEY, Tom, 44. LLOYD, Jake