CARLTON has implemented a single alteration to its lineup for the upcoming Round 1 match against Richmond. Following his participation in the VFL practice match last weekend, Corey Durdin has been included on the five-player bench for the encounter with the Tigers.
Durdin managed to score a goal during his return match for the Carlton Reserves, and his inclusion will contribute to the Blues’ versatile forward options, which showcased high effectiveness during the latter part of last week’s victorious comeback against Brisbane.
Durdin has been included in the five-player interchange along with Jordan Boyd, Jack Carroll, Lachie Fogarty, and Matthew Kennedy, while Jaxon Binns, Ashton Moir, and Marc Pittonet have been named as emergencies.
The substitute player will be revealed an hour before the start of the match.
The sole absentee from the team is Sam Docherty, who suffered an ACL injury in the narrow victory over Brisbane, as announced earlier in the week.
With Docherty sidelined, Carlton’s midfield trio of Patrick Cripps, George Hewett, and Adam Cerra will assume pivotal responsibilities in shaping the team’s performance, as they played significant roles in the previous weekend’s match.
Although the initial matches of both the Blues and Tigers in the Opening Round were marked by momentum shifts, neither team will forget the tense battle of their previous encounter, which culminated in a draw witnessed by over 88,000 spectators.
Another full house is anticipated at the MCG on Thursday night as football returns to its home ground.