AFL

Key pair back as Blues swing axe for Dons grudge match

By AAP Newswire

Jun 6, 2025

Carlton have swung the axe at selection as they welcome back Jack Silvagni and Zac Williams from injuries for the AFL crunch clash with old foes Essendon.

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Silvagni (groin) and Williams (calf) have passed fitness tests, while Alex Cincotta and former Bombers forward Orazio Fantasia also return for the Blues in Sunday night's MCG contest.

Harry O'Farrell, Lewis Young, Jaxon Binns and Corey Durdin have all been omitted.

As expected, Essendon will be bolstered by the appearance of star midfielder Darcy Parish for the first time this season.

Parish has been hampered by ongoing back and calf issues in a difficult start to 2025.

But he has eased into a comeback in two VFL matches on limited minutes over the past fortnight and replaces Elijah Tsatas (omitted) against Carlton.

In Sunday's other contest, North Melbourne have recalled WA products Griffin Logue and Robert Hansen Jr for their "home'' clash with West Coast in Bunbury.

Logue replaces the injured Aidan Corr. Tall forward Finnbar Maley has been omitted.

The Eagles have been bolstered by the return of experienced small forward Jamie Cripps after just two matches on the sidelines following knee surgery.

Noah Long has been dropped.