Blues big changes after Henderson AFL exit

Carlton have swung the changes in attack after parting ways with key AFL forward Lachie Henderson.

The last-placed Blues take on Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday and have brought in Levi Casboult, Troy Menzel and Jason Tutt in a significant shake-up of their forward line.

Henderson, who controversially left Carlton on Thursday after notifying them of his intention to seek a trade at season’s end, drops out of the side beaten by Brisbane last week, along with Nick Holman and Clem Smith.

Christian Salem, Ben Newton and Billy Stretch earned recalls for the Demons in what will be the 600th VFL/AFL game of Paul Roos’ combined playing and coaching careers.

Fremantle’s attack suffered a blow when skipper Matthew Pavlich succumbed to an achilles injury this week but their defence has been stiffened by the returns of veterans Luke McPharlin and Zac Dawson.

The Dockers take on North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, with the Kangaroos adding Jamie Macmillan and Ryan Bastinac in place of the suspended Jack Ziebell and Taylor Garner, who was omitted.

Nic Naitanui and Mark LeCras headlined West Coast’s inclusions on Thursday night and they’ve been joined by Murray Newman and Jackson Nelson after the 25-man squad was trimmed on Friday afternoon.

The Eagles made four enforced changes for their key clash with the Western Bulldogs, including the loss of Chris Masten to suspension over the biting incident against Fremantle.

High stakes are on offer when the sides meet at Subiaco, with West Coast looking to shore up second spot and the Dogs out to consolidate their position in the top four.

Luke Beveridge handed Roarke Smith his AFL debut, with Jason Johannisen and Daniel Pearce also included after key pair Matthew Boyd and Liam Picken were unable to make the trip through injury.

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