STAR Carlton recruit Dale Thomas will start in his first match in navy blue, avoiding the green substitute's vest for Monday night's NAB Challenge clash against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium.
Thomas, who crossed from Collingwood at the end of last season as a free agent, was forced to miss the Blues' opening pre-season match, against North Melbourne, because of a chest infection.
His selection on Monday night is confirmation he is also clear of any damage to his troublesome ankle.
The Blues trimmed young midfielder Kane Lucas, utility Simon White and rookie Luke Reynolds from their initial squad of 29.
Veteran Heath Scotland, who is continuing his career with Carlton as a rookie, and first-round draft pick Patrick Cripps are the Blues' substitutes.
Adelaide cut tall forward Lewis Johnston, midfielder Riley Knight and rookie Charlie Cameron from its initial squad. Jared Petrenko and Shaun McKernan are the Crows' substitutes.
Out: Simon White, Luke Reynolds, Kane Lucas
Substitutes: Heath Scotland, Patrick Cripps
ADELAIDE
Out: Lewis Johnston, Riley Knight, Charlie Cameron
Substitutes: Jared Petrenko, Shaun McKernan
CARLTON v ADELAIDE
Monday, February 24
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, 7.10pm AEDT
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, 7.10pm AEDT
CARLTON: Final team
2. Troy Menzel, 3. Marc Murphy, 4. Bryce Gibbs, 6. Kade Simpson, 7. Dylan Buckley, 8. Matthew Kreuzer, 10. Matthew Watson, 12. Mitch Robinson, 13. Chris Yarran, 14. Brock McLean, 16. Patrick Cripps, 17. Sam Rowe, 21. Josh Bootsma, 26. Andrew McInnes, 28. Tom Bell, 29. Heath Scotland (R), 30. Jarrad Waite, 33. Andrejs Everitt, 35. Ed Curnow, 36. Cameron Wood (R), 37. Jaryd Cachia (R), 38. Jeff Garlett, 39. Dale Thomas, 40. Michael Jamison, 41. Levi Casboult, 46. David Ellard
ADELAIDE: Final team
1. James Podsiadly, 4. Josh Jenkins, 5. Scott Thompson, 9. Rory Sloane, 10. Matthew Jaensch, 11. Matthew Wright, 12. Daniel Talia, 14. David Mackay, 16. Luke Brown, 17. Sam Kerridge, 22. Andy Otten, 23. Jared Petrenko, 24. Sam Jacobs, 25. Ben Rutten, 26. Richard Douglas, 28. Cameron Ellis-Yolmen, 31. Jarryd Lyons, 32. Patrick Dangerfield, 33. Brodie Smith, 34. Sam Shaw, 35. Shaun McKernan, 36. Brodie Martin, 38. Mitch Grigg, 40. Jason Porplyzia, 41. Kyle Hartigan, 44. Matthew Crouch
HOW TO WATCH THE GAME
• Subscribe to watch every kick LIVE on your phone or tablet via the AFL LIVE Official App. Weekly passes available from $5.49
• Catch the match replay 12 hours after the siren on AFL.com.au
• Watching overseas? Click here to pick up your free NAB Challenge pass
