CARLTON (1-1) will have had a 17-day break by the time it laces up the boots to face Melbourne after a period of soul-searching across the bye.

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The Blues got away with one the last time out, when they only just held off the fast-finishing Tigers, but the win barely papered over the cracks as they again came to a standstill in the second half as familiar problems were exposed.

Carlton has handed small forward/midfielder Talor Byrne his debut, while Francis Evans returns for the ill Cooper Lord and omitted Lachie Fogarty.

Melbourne (1-1) was always likely to encounter highs and lows as it travels down the path of a hard reset, but new coach Steven King would have been disappointed to see his side all but lose touch with Fremantle by the first break.

Carlton v Melbourne at the MCG, 3.15pm AEDT
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The Demons will get a clearer idea of where they sit this season in a clash with a Blues side widely seen to be at about the same point in their journey. 

Veteran Tom McDonald comes in for game 250, a milestone he's sharing on the day with skipper Max Gawn, and Paddy Cross has been handed his debut just weeks after joining the list as an SSP addition.

Trent Rivers has been omitted and misses just his second game since late 2022, while Daniel Turner will be out for at least a couple of weeks with a hand injury.

Port Adelaide v West Coast at Adelaide Oval, 12pm ACDT
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