The Blues have named three new players in the 22 selected for Thursday night’s round one match against Richmond at the MCG.

While one of the three, Jeremy Laidler, has played two AFL games, the other two, Nick Duigan and Ed Curnow, will be making their AFL debut in the season opener.

Laidler was recruited to Carlton from Geelong during the Exchange Period following the 2010 season. The Blues traded selections 36 and 54 in the 2010 National Draft for Laidler and draft selection 42 (Luke Mitchell). Laidler played just the two games for Geelong after he was recruited via the 2008 Rookie Draft and elevated to the senior list in 2009. He made his AFL debut for the Cats in 2009.

Nick Duigan was drafted by Carlton with the Blues final selection in the 2010 National Draft, selection 70 overall. The 26 year old was recruited from Norwood in the SANFL and has played all the pre-season games this year.

Ed Curnow joined Carlton via the 2011 Rookie Draft and is Carlton’s nominated Rookie for the 2011 season. He was drafted to Adelaide via the Rookie Draft in 2008 and joined Carlton from Box Hill Hawks where he had an outstanding season in the VFL prior to breaking his ankle mid-year.

Curnow will become the 1,129th player to represent Carlton
Duigan will be the 1,130th player to represent Carlton
Laidler will be the 1,131st player to represent Carlton

All three players were presented with their guernsey and player badge number by Carlton President Stephen Kernahan in the warm up area of the training facilities at Visy Park after the final training session on Wednesday morning.

For the full team list please click HERE.