Carlton head coach Michael Voss has confirmed a key pairing will play in the Blues' elimination final bout with Sydney on Friday night.
Wingman Blake Acres and ruckman Marc Pittonet have both been announced to play on Friday when Carlton hosts the Swans.
Acres, who nursed an injury concern after the Blues' Round 24 defeat to the Giants, was cleared of a fractured collarbone by the Blues' medical staff and has been confirmed as available for selection.
The winger registered a strong home-and-away campaign, averaging a career-high 23 disposals per game and playing in every Blues game this season. The former Saint and Docker has been a crucial element in his team's turnaround, recording at least 25 disposals in eight of his 23 appearances this year.
Alongside Acres is the returning Pittonet. The 27-year-old has played 15 games in 2023 despite suffering from both injury and form issues that have kept him out of the side.
On a number of occasions, the Blues have opted for Tom De Koning as the sole ruckman along with the smaller Jack Silvagni as the number-two option.
Addressing the media on Thursday morning, Voss expressed belief in his side and stated his plan of action relating to Carlton's rucks.
"We'll lean into our strengths ... We're going to play our two rucks," said Voss on Thursday.
"'Pitto' (Pittonet) will come in and play as well and work in with Tom (De Koning).
"We feel like that's been a strength of ours this year."
The inclusion of Pittonet may see Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow return to a permanent forward duo, rather than the former being used around the ground.
Skipper Patrick Cripps, veteran Sam Docherty, and small forward Jesse Motlop are all expected to return to Voss' lineup as well.
Carlton and Sydney's final selected sides will be announced at 6:20 PM (AEST) on Thursday night.
For the first time in ten years, the Blues will take to the field in a finals fixture, coming up against a Swans side that was beaten by Geelong in last year's Grand Final.
