CARLTON coach Brendon Bolton says Saturday's blockbuster against traditional rival Essendon will give young gun forwards Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay a chance build chemistry in the absence of injured spearhead Levi Casboult.
Casboult will miss up to a month after sustaining a fractured rib and damage to the lining of his lung in last week's loss to Adelaide, and it will leave Curnow (20) and McKay (21) to play a major role in helping the winless Blues kicking kick a winning score.
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Casboult has been the main focal point in Carlton's attack for the past few seasons and has a club-best 11 goals in 2018, with Curnow equal second on 10 majors and McKay kicking seven goals.
The duo both landed at Ikon Park in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, with McKay snapped up at pick 10 and Curnow selected at pick 12.
Speaking on Friday morning, Bolton said it was a great opportunity for the gifted duo to develop some understanding.
Curnow returns to the side after missing last week with an ankle complaint.
"Harry's had some interruptions and still learning the craft, and Charlie has had more of a consistent run, but we think they're both very talented players," Bolton said.
"You see with quality forward lines, they know where to run and create space for the other, so that will be a work in progress, but (Saturday) is a good chance to see that.
"I'm sure at times we'll be excited about it, but there will be sometimes when go, 'why did they run there?'
"That's part of growing."
Another interesting subplot for the Blues will be the debut of recruit Darcy Lang, with the former Geelong midfielder fit and in-form after a pre-season ankle injury.
After 44 games at the Cattery, Bolton said the 22-year-old was keen to show his new teammates that he can add value to a young Blues side.
"He's really eager and just so unlucky with injury interruption, but in the last month or so he's got continuity in his training and VFL exposure," Bolton said.
"We think we've got a forward/midfielder there that will be able to impact for us."
It appears fellow recruit Matthew Kennedy has made way for Lang, with the former Giant dropped to the VFL after a quiet couple of weeks.
Yet to break the 20-possession mark this season, the 21-year-old midfielder had just 11 possessions in the loss to the Crows.
"Matt Kennedy has had a really interrupted pre-season with his shoulders, and we knew had an ankle injury (at the Giants), so he's just learning the craft," Bolton said.
"We think at this stage, the VFL is part of building his game."
Bolton said skipper Marc Murphy (foot) and Caleb Marchbank (ankle) were "pretty close" to facing Bombers, but he expects the important duo to press for selection next week against Melbourne.
