Michael Voss has locked in Blake Acres for his side’s first final in 10 years, while Carlton will also select Marc Pittonet for Friday night.
As the Blues head into an Elimination Final with Sydney in front of a predicted packed MCG, several selection calls were hanging over the club.
They were hesitant to make a call on Acres earlier this week, but Voss was on the front foot on Thursday morning in declaring the 27-year-old will play the Swans after passing a fitness test.
Acres had suffered a knock to the collarbone and failed to play out the Round 24 loss. While there was no structural damage, the selection decision was understood to revolve around pain management.
Meanwhile, Pittonet will also play. Tom De Koning has been in career-best form in the ruck and the duo are set to combine on Friday night.
Pittonet played 15 games in 2023 and has been selected on the majority of occasions when fit this season. He didn’t play in Round 24.
“We’ll lean into our strengths… we’re going to play our two rucks, Pitto will come in and play as well and work in with Tom, we feel like that’s been a strength of ours this year,” Voss told media on Thursday morning.
“I guess that means Harry (McKay) gets to spend a bit more time up forward partnering up with Charlie (Curnow).”
Patrick Cripps, Sam Docherty and Jesse Motlop are all expected to return as well.
Official teams will be unveiled at 6:20pm AEST on Thursday evening.
More to come.