Carlton has named its 29-man squad to take on Essendon at home this Sunday.

The Blues’ draft class of 2015 (Jacob Weitering, Harry McKay, Charlie Curnow, David Cuningham and Jack Silvagni) have all been named and look set to run out in the navy blue jumper together for the first time.

Carlton’s Head of Football Andrew McKay says all the draftees have worked hard during pre-season to be given this opportunity to play at AFL level.

"We have been really pleased with the application and their eagerness to learn throughout the pre-season," McKay said.

"The transition from an under-18 footballer into a full-time AFL player is a big step, it takes time to adjust but on their journey so far the boys have answered the challenges presented to them."

Left to right: Carlton's 2015 draftees Harry McKay, Charlie Curnow, Jacob Weitering, David Cuningham and Jack Silvagni with coach Brendon Bolton. (Photo: Carlton Media)

With football returning to the Blues’ heartland this weekend, McKay encouraged all Bluebaggers to turn out in force and support the young Blues.

"This weekend’s game is a great opportunity for our members to come back to our traditional home and get a first-hand look at the future of our footy club,” McKay said.

“With 15 new players on our list, the NAB Challenge is about testing our group, exposing new players and continuing to develop our list in readiness for Round 1 and beyond.”

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Blues captain Marc Murphy will once again remain on the sidelines, as he continues to recover from last year’s shoulder surgery. However, fans won’t have to wait much longer to see the skipper run out in 2016, with McKay saying the midfielder should be available for Carlton’s Round 3 NAB Challenge game.

“Marc is continuing in his rehab, he has had a solid couple of weeks and with our third NAB game not until 11th March, we will look to get a run into him then.”

Carlton’s 29-man squad will be trimmed to 26 on Sunday, with the Club to release an injury update this afternoon.

Carlton's squad to take on Essendon:

ESSENDON'S SQUAD
3. Darcy Parish, 6. Joe Daniher, 7. Zach Merrett, 8. Martin Gleeson, 9. Brendon Goddard, 11. David Zaharakis, 12. Mark Baguley, 14. Jason Ashby, 15. Courtenay Dempsey, 17. Adam Cooney, 19. Shaun Edwards, 20. Jackson Merrett, 24. Craig Bird, 28. Mitch Brown, 30. Kyle Langford, 33. Jayden Laverde, 34. Jake Long, 36. Michael Hartley, 38. Nick Kommer, 41. Will Hams, 42. James Gwilt, 43. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, 44. Shaun McKernan, 45. Conor McKenna, 51. Ryan Crowley, 52. Jonathan Simpkin, 54. Sam Grimley, 56. Sam Michael

Notable absentees: Mathew Stokes, James Kelly, Matthew Leuenberger, Travis Colyer