AFL Update: Seven Navy Blue Players Embark on New Chapters
Carlton Football Club has unveiled a rejuvenated squad for the upcoming season opener against Sydney. This year’s team showcases a notable transformation, with seven new players making their debut in a single match, marking a significant moment in the club’s history.
AFL Update: Seven Navy Blue Players Embark on New Chapters
The Blues will feature a total of 23 players, including two debutants, Jagga Smith and Harry Dean. Additionally, five players were acquired through trades in October of the previous year:
- Ben Ainsworth (from Gold Coast)
- Campbell Chesser (from West Coast)
- Ollie Florent (from Sydney)
- Will Hayward (from Sydney)
- Liam Reidy (from Fremantle)
This season is unique, as it is only the second time in a century that seven debutants will take the field for the club in a single game. Overall, a remarkable 13 players have been changed since the last match played for premiership points in August 2025 against Essendon.
Notable Player Returns
Brodie Kemp will return for his 50th career game, while Elijah Hollands will make his first appearance since May 2025, also against Sydney at the SCG. Alongside these players, captain Patrick Cripps and co-vice captains Sam Walsh and Jacob Weitering will lead the team. Weitering, who suffered a rib injury while playing for Victoria, has been cleared to play.
Changes to Game Rules
This season also marks a significant alteration in game rules, as the sub role has been removed. Carlton can now fully utilize its roster of 23 players throughout the match, with an interchange cap of 75. The iconic centre bounce will no longer take place, as either Marc Pittonet or Liam Reidy is set to face off against Sydney’s Brodie Grundy.
The match is scheduled for Thursday night at 7:30 PM, promising an exciting start to the AFL season for the Navy Blue team.
