Carlton coach Michael Voss has refused to swing the axe despite his side’s shocking first-up loss as Hawthorn brings in two favourites for the Round 2 opener.
The Blues regain superstar forward Charlie Curnow for Thursday night’s clash at the MCG, with off-season signing Francis Evans making way.
Sam Docherty appears unlikely to repeat as the substitute having been named on the field with Voss opting against any further changes from the side that lost to wooden spoon favourite Richmond.
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At the Hawks, Changkuoth Jiath makes his long-awaited return along with veteran forward Jack Gunston.
Enigmatic backman Sam Frost has been omitted after being the sub last week, while Jack Scrimshaw misses through both injury and suspension, the latter costing him three weeks of footy.
Meanwhile Essendon has confirmed Tom Edwards, the 24-year-old forward who was signed a month ago, will make his AFL debut on Saturday.
The West Aussie impressed in their match simulation against the Bulldogs in February before being picked up as a pre-season supplemental selection period signing. He grew up as a Bombers fan.
“Pulling on the Essendon jumper for the first time is beyond a dream come true,” Edwards said.
“A month ago, I was teaching sport science and maths to the Lesmurdie High School kids in Perth, and now I get the chance to run out onto the MCG in front of the Essendon fans. It’s just unbelievable.
The rest of the teams for Round 2 will be announced on Thursday evening at 6:20pm AEDT.
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ROUND 2 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (All times AEDT)
CARLTON v HAWTHORN
Thursday March 20, 7:30pm at the MCG
BLUES
B: L.Cowan, J.Weitering, O.Hollands
HB: A.Saad, M.McGovern, J.Silvagni
C: B.Acres, P.Cripps – C, L.Camporeale
HF: S.Docherty, H.McKay, B.Kemp
F: L.Fogarty, C.Curnow, M.Cottrell
FOLL: T.De Koning, A.Cerra, G.Hewett
I/C: C.Lord, S.Walsh, N.Haynes, Z.Williams, J.Motlop
EMG: L.Young, A.Moir, F.Evans
IN: C.Curnow
OUT: F.Evans (Omitted)
HAWKS
B: T.Barrass, B.Hardwick, J.Sicily – C
HB: C.Jiath, J.Impey, M.D’Ambrosio
C: K.Amon, J.Ward, J.Battle
HF: F.Maginness, N.Watson, C.Mackenzie
F: J.Ginnivan, M.Chol, J.Newcombe
FOLL: L.Meek, W.Day, D.Moore
I/C: J.Weddle, H.Morrison, C.Nash, C.Macdonald, J.Gunston
EMG: S.Frost, L.Breust, H.Hustwaite
IN: C.Jiath, J.Gunston
OUT: S.Frost (Omitted), J.Scrimshaw (Injured)
FOOTSCRAY v COLLINGWOOD
Friday March 21, 7:40pm at the MCG
BULLDOGS
TBA Thursday evening
MAGPIES
TBA Thursday evening
ESSENDON v ADELAIDE CROWS
Saturday March 22, 1:20pm at the MCG
BOMBERS
TBA Thursday evening
CROWS
TBA Thursday evening
PORT ADELAIDE v RICHMOND
Saturday March 22, 4:15pm at Adelaide Oval
POWER
TBA Thursday evening
TIGERS
TBA Thursday evening
ST KILDA v GEELONG
Saturday March 22, 7:35pm at Marvel Stadium
SAINTS
TBA Thursday evening
CATS
TBA Thursday evening
BRISBANE LIONS v WEST COAST EAGLES
Sunday March 23, 1:10pm at the Gabba
LIONS
TBA Thursday evening
EAGLES
TBA Thursday evening
NORTH MELBOURNE v MELBOURNE
Sunday March 23, 3:20pm at Marvel Stadium
KANGAROOS
TBA Thursday evening
DEMONS
TBA Thursday evening
FREMANTLE v SYDNEY SWANS
Sunday March 23, 6:10pm at Optus Stadium
DOCKERS
TBA Thursday evening
SWANS
TBA Thursday evening
BYE: Gold Coast Suns, GWS Giants
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