Get ready for an explosive AFL season opener as Carlton unleashes a whopping seven new players in a highly anticipated grudge match against the Swans and their star, Charlie Curnow. But here's where it gets controversial: are the Blues biting off more than they can chew with so many fresh faces? Let’s dive in.
Carlton isn’t holding back, with Jagga Smith and Harry Dean set to make their debuts alongside five high-profile recruits. Among them are ex-Swans Will Hayward and Ollie Florent, whose switch to the Blues has already sparked debate. Joining them are Ben Ainsworth, Liam Reidy, and Campbell Chesser, adding depth to a team hungry for redemption. And this is the part most people miss: the strategic inclusion of these players could either be a masterstroke or a risky gamble.
Sydney, meanwhile, is introducing Jai Serong and Malcolm Rosas in Curnow’s first clash against his former club. But the Swans aren’t without their challenges—Braeden Campbell (shin) and Harry Cunningham are sidelined, though Errol Gulden is cleared to play despite a recent ankle scare. Is Sydney’s lineup strong enough to handle Carlton’s revamped squad?
Carlton’s defensive strategy is equally intriguing. Mitch McGovern and Lewis Young have been chosen over Wade Derksen to support Jacob Weitering, who’s back after a rib injury. Meanwhile, Elijah Hollands returns after a tumultuous 2025 season, raising questions about his form and focus. Can the Blues’ defense hold up under pressure?
However, Carlton’s injury list remains a concern, with Francis Evans, Nick Haynes, Adam Cerra, Matt Cottrell, and Jesse Motlop all sidelined. Will these absences weaken their chances against a determined Swans side?
Here’s the full lineup for the Sydney Swans vs. Carlton match on Thursday, March 5, 7:30pm at the SCG:
SWANS
B: L. Melican, T. McCartin, D. Rampe
HB: C. Mills (c), N. Blakey, S. Wicks
C: J. Jordon, I. Heeney, M. Roberts
HF: M. Rosas, J. Rowbottom, T. Papley
F: J. Amartey, C. Curnow, L. McDonald
R: B. Grundy, E. Gulden, Ch. Warner
I/C: R. Bice, J. McInerney, J. Serong, J. Lloyd, A. Sheldrick
EMG: P. Ladhams, Co. Warner, H. McLean
BLUES
B: O. Florent, J. Weitering, L. Young
HB: H. Dean, M. McGovern, A. Saad
C: O. Hollands, P. Cripps (c), W. Hayward
HF: L. Fogarty, H. McKay, B. Ainsworth
F: J. Smith, B. Kemp, A. Moir
R: M. Pittonet, G. Hewett, S. Walsh
I/C: Z. Williams, L. Reidy, E. Hollands, C. Chesser, C. Lord
EMG: T. Byrne, H. O’Keeffe, J. Boyd
Other Opening Round fixtures include:
- Gold Coast Suns vs. Geelong (Friday, March 6, 8:05pm at People First Stadium)
- GWS Giants vs. Hawthorn (Saturday, March 7, 4:15pm at ENGIE Stadium)
- Brisbane Lions vs. Western Bulldogs (Saturday, March 7, 7:35pm at the Gabba)
- St Kilda vs. Collingwood (Sunday, March 8, 7:20pm at the MCG)
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Thought-provoking question for you: With Carlton’s bold lineup changes and Sydney’s strategic inclusions, which team do you think has the edge in this season opener? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
