Overview

• Harry McKay’s knee soreness ruled him out of Sunday’s King’s Birthday Eve match at the MCG and he will undergo further assessment next week.
• Hudson O’Keeffe will make his AFL debut as Carlton’s fifth debutant this season after three years of VFL development.
• Coach Michael Voss highlighted O’Keeffe’s competitive strength as the key reason for his selection against Essendon’s strong defence.
• The Blues hold a 4–7 record and rank 18th in scoring efficiency from inside 50s, prompting a reshuffle in their forward line.
• Forward Lachie Fogarty said he believes the team can still achieve something special despite its current struggles.