Carlton has made two changes for its Round 9 trip to the Gabba.
By Cristian Filippo, Carlton Media
CARLTON has made two changes for its Round 9 trip to the Gabba.
Taking on the dual reigning premiers on their home deck, the Blues have called upon a mixture of experience and youth for the Friday night fixture.
Returning to the side is George Hewett, with the midfielder rejoining the Blues’ on-ball brigade that’s looking to go head-to-head with the big names of the Lions.
Hewett has spent the last three games in the VFL, spending more time in the forward line on the way to a 31-disposal, two-goal showing last week.
Joining Hewett is youngster Billy Wilson, who will play his first game of the AFL season.
Making his debut in 2025 on the way to four senior games come year’s end, Wilson has produced the best football career of his Carlton tenure to date in recent weeks, including a 41-disposal showing against Tasmania a fortnight ago.
Wilson adds to an expansive list of running defenders that the Blues have named for the Friday night clash, with the likes of Ollie Florent, Nic Newman, Adam Saad and Zac Williams joining him.
Coming out of the side are Matthew Cottrell and Liam Reidy, who have been omitted. Cottrell joins Wade Derksen and Jack Ison as emergencies.
With Reidy’s omission, Marc Pittonet will take the lead in the ruck, with the Blues to likely have a more dynamic look forward of the ball.
Friday night’s game kicks off from 7:30pm AEST.