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Blues opt to play it safe with Hewett

Justin ChadwickAAP
George Hewett wasn't selected for Carlton's key AFL clash with Collingwood. (Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)
Camera IconGeorge Hewett wasn't selected for Carlton's key AFL clash with Collingwood. (Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

Carlton have resisted the urge to select George Hewett for Sunday's blockbuster against Collingwood, while the Western Bulldogs have axed ruckman Stefan Martin for their must-win clash with Hawthorn.

Hewett wasn't expected to return from a back injury until week one of the finals at the earliest, but he was a surprise addition to Carlton's extended squad on Thursday.

However, the Blues have opted against recalling him, instead welcoming back Adam Cerra and Zac Williams into the 22.

Williams will be playing his first senior match since round nine, while Cerra was a late withdrawal from last week's loss to Melbourne.

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Jack Newnes and Lochie O'Brien have been dropped.

Depending on other results on Saturday, Carlton may need to beat Collingwood in order to secure a finals berth.

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The Magpies welcomed back Jordan De Goey from injury, while Finlay Macrae has been selected for his second AFL game of the year.

Trent Bianco and Josh Carmichael were dropped.

The ninth-placed Bulldogs axed Martin, Rhylee West and Lachlan McNeil for their date with destiny against Hawthorn.

The Bulldogs must beat the Hawks and hope Carlton lose in order to secure a finals berth.

Forward Josh Bruce, winger Roarke Smith and veteran Taylor Duryea all return.

The Hawks have handed debutants to Jack Saunders and Ned Long, while Connor Macdonald, Max Lynch and Daniel Howe have also been added to the side.

Jarman Impey goes out with a foot injury, with the axe falling on Jacob Koschitzke, Liam Shiels, Jai Serong and Emerson Jeka.

St Kilda will be farewelling two players in their meeting with Sydney at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

Dan Hannebery returns for his 226th and final AFL match, while Dean Kent has been confirmed as the sub in what will be his 100th and last AFL appearance.

Brad Crouch (suspension) goes out of the side alongside injured trio Jimmy Webster, Cooper Sharman and Mason Wood.

Sydney have named an unchanged line-up.

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