Carlton ruckman, Matthew Kreuzer, has been confirmed a certain started ahead of Thursday night's blockbuster season opening game against the reigning premiers, Richmond.
The ruckman rolled his ankle in the second JLT series game against Hawthorn, but has since recovered as he aims to help lead the young Blues further along in their rebuild.
โHeโs played with a lot of injuries in the past," said Blues midfielder Ed Curnow.
"Heโll be fine and fresh and ready to go. It was a tough ankle roll and heโs recovered well. Heโs already running around. Heโs a seasoned veteran and heโs a true professional."
Curnow also hinted at possible Carlton debuts to new recruits, Matthew Kennedy [from GWS] and Paddy Dow [number 3 pick] ahead of their clash with Richmond.
Fellow recruit, Darcy Lang, will have to prove his fitness by Thursday to earn his new jumper after crossing from Geelong in the pre-season, as he struggles through an ankle concern.
