CARLTON has lost spearhead Harry McKay for its clash with Port Adelaide before the bounce due to illness.

He has been replaced in the side by Lewis Young and Jack Carroll has been named as Carlton's starting substitute.

BLUES v POWER Follow it LIVE

McKay, who has kicked 44 goals this season, was the subject of scrutiny throughout the week after a head knock in last week's win over North Melbourne.

There was a delay in bringing the key forward from the field to undergo a Head Injury Assessment (HIA), as he kicked a goal before being tested. He was cleared of concussion, but the Blues were reprimanded for their handling of the incident.

Carlton v Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium, 7.40pm AEST

LATE CHANGES
Carlton: Harry McKay replaced by Lewis Young

SUBSTITUTES
Carlton: Jack Carroll
Port Adelaide: Quinton Narkle

Young last played at AFL level back in round eight in Carlton's loss to Collingwood, in which he recorded 12 disposals in defence.

Carlton is also without ruck Tom De Koning due to a foot injury, which will see him miss the remainder of the home and away season, as well as important winger Blake Acres.

02:08

Match Previews R20: Carlton v Port Adelaide

Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Kane Cornes preview the game between the Blues and Power at Marvel Stadium

Published on Jul 26, 2024

Quinton Narkle has been named as Port Adelaide's sub.

Second-placed Carlton (12-6) edged past North Melbourne to snap a two-match losing streak and keep its top-four dreams in its own hands, but it now faces a hot and cold Power side off a five-day break.

The Blues will have to make do without rising ruck Tom De Koning (foot) for the rest of the home and away season, while looking to rediscover their strength at stoppages that was one of the keys to their mid-season surge.

Port Adelaide (11-7) gradually overwhelmed Richmond to run away to a critical victory and bounce straight back into the finals places.

The Power sit in seventh spot, one game clear inside the top eight, but a top-four spot is still within reach.

The Power have little margin for error in the run home and face the two pacesetters – the Blues and Swans – over the next fortnight in must-win games.

The Blues have been forced into three changes with Brodie Kemp, Mitch McGovern and Marc Pittonet replacing Sam Durdin, Blake Acres and Tom De Koning.

The Power have dropped Dylan Williams and Ollie Lord, with Kane Farrell and Lachie Jones coming in.