Carlton has made two changes to the side that went down to Collingwood last week for this week’s big clash against Essendon at the MCG on Saturday.

Simon White returns to the side and has been named in the back pocket and he is joined by Lachie Henderson who will play his first AFL game of the season. The two players omitted from the team are Bret Thornton and Matthew Watson.

Henderson had an interrupted pre-season after surgery prior to Christmas and he has played the first two VFL matches with the Northern Bullants after missing the majority of the pre-season matches.

After playing two matches Matthew Watson will be back with the Northern Bullants in the VFL as part of his continuing development.

Heath Scotland, who played his 200th AFL game in round one, will play his 150th game for Carlton in Saturday’s match at the MCG.

Carlton v Essendon
Saturday April 16 at MCG

Backs: S.White M.Jamison A.Carrazzo
Half Backs: N.Duigan J.Laidler J.Russell
Centreline: H.Scotland C.Judd C.Yarran
Half Forwards: E.Betts J.Waite K.Simpson
Forwards: S.Hampson L.Henderson J.Garlett
Followers: R.Warnock M.Murphy B.Gibbs
Interchange: E.Curnow A.Walker A.Collins M.Robinson
Emergencies: D.Ellard D.Armfield K.Lucas

In: L.Henderson , S.White
Out: B.Thornton (Omitted) , M.Watson (Omitted)