AFL team news: Martin returns for game 150

JACK Martin will play his 150th AFL game on Friday in front of a capacity crowd when Carlton takes on Collingwood.

Playing his second game of the season, Martin returns to the Blues’ line-up off the back of two VFL games with the Carlton Reserves.

Emerging as a key figure in the Blues’ forward mix at the back-end of the 2023 campaign, Martin is one of four changes to the team to take on the old enemy — with another crucial attacking talent to return.

After he was a late out for the loss last Friday night against Port Adelaide, Harry McKay will once again partner Charlie Curnow to provide a key focal point up forward for the Blues.

He’s joined by Blake Acres, with the wingman back after missing the clash with the Power, who will give the Blues some crucial drive on the wing, while Jordan Boyd is also back in the side after shin soreness in recent weeks.

David Cuningham was a confirmed out earlier in the week with a season-ending shoulder injury, while Jack Carroll, Lachie Cowan and Lewis Young have been omitted. All three have been named as emergencies for the Saturday night clash.

Alex Cincotta, George Hewett, Ollie Hollands, Matthew Kennedy and Matthew Owies have been named on the interchange bench, with the Blues to name their sub an hour before the bounce.