The Blues have made one change to the team for this week’s game, with Matthew Watson set to make his AFL debut in the historic match at the Gabba. Watson replaces Kane Lucas who was Carlton’s first ever substitute player in Carlton’s opening game of the 2011 season. Watson will become the 1,132nd player to represent Carlton in the AFL when he makes his debut on Saturday night in what will be Chris Judd’s 200th AFL appearance.

Watson joined Carlton with the Blues first selection, number 18 overall, in the 2010 NAB AFL National Draft. The nephew of former Essendon ruckman Steven Alessio, Watson was recruited from Pascoe Vale in the Essendon District Football League via the Calder Under 18s where he was a member of the 2010 TAC Under 18 premiership. An All-Australian Under 18 player last year, Watson is 18 years of age (born on July 16, 1992), is 195cm tall and weighs 99kg. He will wear number 10 for Carlton, a number worn in over 100 games for Carlton by Adrian Gallagher, John James, Fred Stafford, Jim Francis and Paddy O’Brien.

Backs: Jordan Russell, Brett Thornton, Matthew Watson
Half Backs: Nick Duigan, Simon White, Jeremy Laidler
Centres: Kade Simpson, Chris Judd, Heath Scotland
Half Forwards: Jeff Garlett, Jarrad Waite, Chris Yarran
Forwards: Eddie Betts, Shaun Hampson, Andrew Walker
Followers: Robbie Warnock, Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs
Interchange: Dennis Armfield, Andrew Carrazzo, Ed Curnow, Mitch Robinson

Out: Kane Lucas (omitted)
New: Matthew Watson
Milestone: Chris Judd - 200 games