Three Blues to Debut
Carlton Senior coach Brett Ratten has confirmed that three players will make their senior debuts for the club.
Carlton Senior coach Brett Ratten has confirmed that Chris Judd, Richard Hadley and Jake Edwards will all make their senior debuts for the club, in Thursday night's opening round of the season against Richmond at the MCG.
Judd, the newly-appointed captain, will lead the team out moments after his predecessor, Lance Whitnall, completes a lap of honour of the ground.
The club's No.1 National draftee, Matthew Kreuzer, could not be considered because of a hip injury suffered in match practice a week ago. Ratten confirmed that Kreuzer would be available for selection in the Round Two night match with St Kilda at The Dome on March 29, but Kreuzer's absence means that Thursday night's game will be robbed of the draft's first and second selections - Kreuzer and Richmond's Trent Cotchin, who is labouring with a foot complaint.
Promising ruckman Shaun Hampson, who is also unavailable with a knee injury, is expected to be available for selection against the Saints.
CARLTON
Backs - Michael Jamison, Ryan Houlihan, Bret Thornton
Half backs – Shaun Grigg, Jarrad Waite, Heath Scotland
Centreline – Bryce Gibbs, Chris Judd, Kade Simpson
Half forwards – Richard Hadley, Adam Hartlett, Andrew Carrazzo
Forwards – Eddie Betts, Brendan Fevola, Setanta O’hAilpin
Followers – Cameron Cloke, Nick Stevens, Marc Murphy
Interchange – Jordan Bannister, Paul Bower, Jake Edwards, Ryan Jackson
Emerg – Darren Pfeiffer Jordan Russell Jason Saddington
New
Jake Edwards – Melton/Western Jets U18
192cm, 89kg – Selection 36 in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft
Jake will become the 1108th player to represent the Carlton Football Club.
Richard Hadley – Brisbane Lions (2001 – 2007, 41 games, 10 goals)
190cm, 90kg – 2007 NAB AFL Draft traded by Brisbane for selection 52.
Richard will become the 1109th player to represent the Carlton Football Club.
Chris Judd – West Coast Eagles (2002 – 2007, 134 games, 138 goals)
189cm, 85kg – 2007 NAB AFL Draft traded by West Coast for Josh Kennedy and selections 3 & 20.
Chris will become the 1110th player to represent the Carlton Football Club.