Get ready for a thrilling season opener that’s packed with drama, reunions, and fresh faces! Thursday night’s clash between Sydney and Carlton at the SCG is shaping up to be a game you won’t want to miss, with a whopping 13 changes to the Blues’ lineup and seven brand-new players making their debut in navy blue. But here’s where it gets controversial: the highly anticipated battle between Charlie Curnow and Jacob Weitering is finally happening, with the former Swans star now leading Sydney’s forward line against his old teammate, who’s been named at full-back for Carlton. And this is the part most people miss—this isn’t just about Curnow; it’s also about Will Hayward and Ollie Florent facing their former club for the first time after last year’s high-profile trades. Will loyalty or revenge prevail?
As if that wasn’t enough, Carlton’s lineup includes AFL debutants Jagga Smith and Harry Dean, both No.3 draft picks from the past two years, alongside recruits Ben Ainsworth, Campbell Chesser, and Liam Reidy. Meanwhile, Sydney isn’t holding back either, with Curnow joined by fellow newcomers Malcolm Rosas jnr and Jai Serong in their first games for the Swans. Stars like Tom Papley, Isaac Heeney, and Callum Mills are also back in action after nursing minor injuries over the summer.
But let’s not forget the elephant in the room—Jacob Weitering’s cracked rib. After being in serious doubt following last month’s AAMI AFL Origin clash, he’s miraculously recovered just in time to face his long-time teammate, Curnow. Is this a comeback story or a recipe for disaster?
With 13 changes to Carlton’s side since their round 24 match against Essendon last year, this game is a testament to the Blues’ rebuild. Sydney, on the other hand, is fielding a more familiar lineup, but with enough fresh talent to keep things interesting.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 7.30PM AEDT
Sydney Swans v Carlton Blues at the SCG
SYDNEY SWANS LINEUP
Backs: L. Melican 43, T. McCartin 30, D. Rampe 24
Half-Backs: C. Mills (C) 14, N. Blakey 22, S. Wicks 15
Centres: J. Jordon 17, I. Heeney 5, M. Roberts 34
Half-Forwards: M. Rosas 10, J. Rowbottom 8, T. Papley 11
Forwards: J. Amartey 36, C. Curnow 35, L. McDonald 6
Followers: B. Grundy 4, E. Gulden 21, Ch. Warner 1
Interchange: R. Bice 26, J. McInerney 27, J. Serong 13, J. Lloyd 44, A. Sheldrick 12
Emergencies: P. Ladhams 19, Co. Warner 37, H. McLean 2
Notable absentees: Braeden Campbell, Harry Cunningham, Jesse Dattoli
CARLTON BLUES LINEUP
Backs: O. Florent 14, J. Weitering 23, L. Young 33
Half-Backs: H. Dean 35, M. McGovern 11, A. Saad 42
Centres: O. Hollands 4, P. Cripps (C) 9, W. Hayward 19
Half-Forwards: L. Fogarty 8, H. McKay 10, B. Ainsworth 12
Forwards: J. Smith 7, B. Kemp 17, A. Moir 43
Followers: M. Pittonet 27, G. Hewett 29, S. Walsh 18
Interchange: Z. Williams 6, L. Reidy 25, E. Hollands 20, C. Chesser 31, C. Lord 36
Emergencies: T. Byrne 39, H. O’Keeffe 40, J. Boyd 37
Notable absentees: Adam Cerra, Matt Cottrell, Francis Evans, Nick Haynes, Jesse Motlop, Nic Newman
Thought-provoking question for you: With so many new faces and high-stakes reunions, which player do you think will have the biggest impact on the game? And do you think Carlton’s bold lineup changes will pay off, or will Sydney’s experience edge out the Blues? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
