Get ready for an exciting season opener as the AFL teams gear up for some intense action!
A Navy Blue Revolution
Carlton has unveiled its 23-man squad, and it's a fresh and exciting lineup to say the least. With seven new faces donning the Navy Blue, this team is set to bring a whole new dynamic to the field.
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, historically significant. This marks only the second time in a century that seven or more players will make their AFL debut for Carlton in the same game! Talk about a major shake-up.
Among the newcomers are Jagga Smith and Harry Dean, who are confirmed to be taking their first steps onto the AFL stage. They'll be joined by five other recruits, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to the team: Ben Ainsworth, Campbell Chesser, Ollie Florent, Will Hayward, and Liam Reidy.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of these changes goes beyond just the players. With the sub role scrapped and a new interchange system in place, teams now have more flexibility and strategic options. Carlton, for instance, can now freely rotate its 23 players across the four quarters, with a cap of 75 interchanges.
Additionally, the removal of the center bounce, as seen in pre-season matches, adds an extra layer of strategy and unpredictability to the game.
In total, there are an astonishing 13 changes to the Carlton side that last played for premiership points in August 2025 against Essendon. It's a complete overhaul, and we can't wait to see how it plays out.
There's also a special mention for Brodie Kemp, who returns after a long wait for his 50th career game, and Elijah Hollands, who will be back in action for the first time since May 2025, coincidentally also against the Swans.
The leadership group remains strong, with captain Patrick Cripps and co-vice captains Sam Walsh and Jacob Weitering leading the way. Weitering's inclusion is a welcome boost after recovering from a rib injury sustained during AFL Origin.
So, what do you think? Are you excited for this new-look Carlton team and the changes it brings to the AFL? Or do you prefer the traditional ways of the game? Let us know in the comments below!
