Dale Thomas doesn't owe his teammates for missing Carlton's nine-point loss to Richmond, but he's "itching" to kick-start his season after serving a one-match suspension, Blues coach Brendon Bolton says.
Thomas missed the season-opening defeat to the Tigers after a brainfade when he elbowed Swans defender Jeremy Laidler in the chin in the clubs' final NAB Challenge match.
The 28-year-old returns to a near full-strength Carlton line-up to take on the formidable-looking Swans again at Etihad Stadium on Sunday and is determined to help the Blues repeat their encouraging first round effort.
"I don't know about owes (his teammates). He's really determined Daisy Thomas, he was itching to be out there last week, so he'll add some good leadership to us," Bolton said.
"He's played a lot of footy now, so we're rapt to have him back."
Thomas is one of three inclusions - alongside one-gamer Ciaran Byrne and possible debutant Charlie Curnow - to the Blues 25-man squad.
Bolton said Thomas was "fit, strong and not injured" and criticism of his poor kicking in the pre-season clash hadn't affected him leading into a crunch third season at Ikon Park.
"He's been in the system a long time and it's an opinion-based industry … but he turned some balls over, he tried to bite off a little bit too much in that game," Bolton said.
"I don't think he's a poor kick, in fact I know he's not, he's kicked really well in the pre-season."
The Blues hope to see the best version of Thomas when they take on the Swans, who have won the past five meetings between the clubs.
John Longmire's men answered their doubters with an 80-point belting of Collingwood in round one, led by a dominant midfield, and the Swans are red-hot favourites to make it two wins on the trot against Carlton.
"I can't talk them (the Swans) up enough after last week. It was an amazing game and they dominated in all areas, so we know we've got a challenge ahead," Bolton said.
"Their centre-bounce work last week, I suppose it could be described as elite – they got the ball forward and locked it in their half.
"But we've got some terrific midfielders – (Bryce) Gibbs, (Patrick) Cripps, (Marc) Murphy, (Sam) Kerridge, (Ed) Curnow – we hold our own and we think we can compete in that area."
The midfield duel aside, the Blues' defenders will have their hands full quelling Lance Franklin, who returned from a mental health issue in imposing style in round one.
The Swans superstar booted four goals and enjoys playing the Blues, bagging hauls of six and seven majors in his past two matches against Carlton.
Bolton confirmed No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering was in line to renew acquaintances with Buddy after crossing paths in the NAB Challenge.
"I'd like to think there's some times when he is on Bud because we're about growth and learning," he said. "So if we see that for a while it would be great for his development."
Weitering, who took seven marks and had 17 touches against the Tigers, is now favourite to win the NAB AFL Rising Star award ahead of Swans young gun Callum Mills and round one nominee Clayton Oliver from Melbourne, with Bolton certain the hype hadn't affected the 18-year-old.
"We've always said the big thing we see in his footy is his composure and you see that in him as a person off the field, so he understands what it's (the attention) about."
