Luke Parks will debut for Carlton against Fremantle

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)