AN UNTIMELY bout of gastro has cost Carlton forward Jack Silvagni his place in Saturday's clash with Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.

Silvagni was named in the Blues' squad on Thursday night but did not feature in Friday's Captain's Run and won't face the Demons.

Ex-Cat Darcy Lang has been confirmed as his replacement.

The announcement came after David Teague spoke to reporters at Ikon Park on Friday.

Silvagni's withdrawal adds to the Blues' list of absentees, which already included senior regulars Charlie Curnow (knee), Zac Fisher (ankle), Matthew Kreuzer (foot) and Caleb Marchbank (knee).

Teague also clarified that young midfielder Paddy Dow hadn't been dropped and was actually dealing with a sore knee.

However, Eddie Betts (calf) is fit to play his first game in navy blue in seven years, while Nic Newman (elbow) and Harry McKay (groin) are also right to go.

Even without Curnow, McKay gives Carlton a potent three-pronged tall attack alongside Mitch McGovern and Levi Casboult.

"We've got some talls down there who are competing really well, and they've been exciting on the track," Teague said.

"I think the guys up the field, when there's nothing on, to see Mitch, Levi and Harry down there to give us a contest and get it to ground, to bring in the guys like Eddie, Jack Martin and David Cuningham, really gives us a focal point.

"Harry's been great. He's excited and he's loved this (COVID-19) break, knowing he hasn't missed as many games (as he would have), as has Eddie."

Former Hawk Marc Pittonet will also make his Carlton debut, with fellow ruckmen Kreuzer and Tom De Koning (ankle) sidelined.

"Anytime you're playing in the ruck it's a big job – you're the first guy who gets to compete – so we're looking forward to seeing compete," Teague said of Pittonet.

"That's where he's been the strongest on the track.

"He's led from the front and some of his tackling, follow up and his ability to get physical are something we really value and the way he's trained, he's deserved his spot."

Teague has placed an even greater emphasis this week on his players performing well in the contest, with that area arguably Melbourne's greatest strength. 

"They're very good in that area and it's not only in the midfield – they win contests around the ground as well," he said.

"So we need to match them and it's probably an area we've focused on over this period, is being strong in the contest.

"I think it's important in every game but particularly against Melbourne, who are quite strong in that area as well."