CO-CAPTAIN Sam Docherty was quick to throw his support behind new Blues Eddie Betts and Marc Pittonet.

On Thursday, the duo were confirmed as starters for this weekend’s return to football.

Pittonet will make his Navy Blue debut against Max Gawn, while Betts will feature for Carlton for the first time in seven years.

Docherty said the playing group was fully confident their new teammates could make an impact from the outset.

On Pittonet, Docherty said the former Hawk would relish the chance to be physical after a long layoff.

“We’re pretty excited to see what big Marc Pittonet will do coming in,” Docherty told 3AW.

“He’s a big physical boy and we’re excited to see what he’s going to produce. Hopefully he gets a good crack at it.”

It will also be Docherty’s first game with Betts as a teammate, having arrived at Ikon Park the season after Betts departed.

Having come up against the veteran in match simulation over the summer, Docherty said Betts was primed to show the football world what he’s still capable of.

“Having watched him and played on him in training, either I’ve come back slower after my two years or he hasn’t slowed down one bit,” he said.

“He’s a very, very smart footballer in what he does and his craft is unbelievable as a forward.

“It was a privilege to be able to watch him for a number of years and I’m excited and absolutely rapt we got him back at our footy club.”