For the first time since the 2013 elimination final, Eddie Betts will pull on the Navy Blue jumper in front of a Victorian Navy Blue crowd — and it will just happen to be his 200th game for the Club.
Betts is one of three changes for Carlton’s Round 3 clash with Fremantle, with the champion small forward to become just the second Indigenous player to reach the double century for the Blues.
The veteran returns to the senior side for the first time in 2021, having overcome a pre-season calf issue and displaying some of his customary forward wizardry in two VFL practice matches.
Betts comes into the team alongside previously announced debutant Luke Parks as well as Jack Silvagni, who has recovered from a shoulder injury.
Silvagni will provide some further attacking firepower alongside Harry McKay, with the No.1 impressing in the first half of the season opener before coming from the ground.
Betts’ inclusion also means he’ll play his 332nd AFL game, equalling the tally of much-loved former Blue, Justin Madden. Marc Murphy will also officially surpass Madden in sixth all-time for Carlton games played when he runs out for the 288th time.
Coming out of the side are the injured Zac Fisher (ankle) and Jack Martin (knee), while Tom Williamson has been omitted.
Williamson is one of the four emergencies for the Easter Sunday clash, alongside Matthew Cottrell, Matthew Kennedy and Oscar McDonald. The medical sub will be announced an hour before the game.
Round 3 team |
|||
Backs: |
Luke Parks
|
Liam Jones |
Lachie Plowman |
Half-backs: |
Sam Docherty |
Jacob Weitering |
Adam Saad |
Centreline: |
Will Setterfield |
Sam Walsh |
Jack Newnes |
Half-forwards: |
Lachie Fogarty |
Harry McKay |
Jack Silvagni |
Forwards: |
Eddie Betts |
Levi Casboult |
Zac Williams |
Followers: |
Marc Pittonet |
Patrick Cripps |
Paddy Dow |
Interchange: |
Sam Petrevski-Seton |
Michael Gibbons |
Marc Murphy |
|
Ed Curnow |
|
|
Emergencies: |
Matthew Cottrell |
Matthew Kennedy |
Oscar McDonald |
|
Liam Stocker |
In: Eddie Betts, Luke Parks, Jack Silvagni
Out: Zac Fisher (ankle), Jack Martin (knee), Tom Williamson
New: Luke Parks (Sydney Swans Academy, Glenelg)