Carlton will hand key defensive prospect Harry O'Farrell a debut against GWS on Saturday after a string of impressive VFL performances.
O'Farrell was drafted by the Blues in last year's National Draft, taken with Pick 40 as an intercepting defender, standing at 197cm.
The boyhood Carlton supporter was a strong performer for Vic Metro, Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League and St Kevin's College in the APS.
O'Farrell has played six games for the Blues' VFL outfit so far this year, averaging 13 touches, four marks and 2.5 tackles.
The draftee was also the unlikeliest of heroes in Round 5, helping the VFL side claim its first win of the season after being swung up forward, and slotting the match-winning goal.
O'Farrell will have his hands full with the Giants' forward line, consisting of Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan, Jake Riccardi, Aaron Cadman, and a fleet of smalls.
The 19-year-old has a long-standing connection with Carlton, spanning over 110 years, linking him with former players, including four premiership legends.
As stated by the Blues, O'Farrell has a family connection to 1981 and 1982 premiership player Des English.
Coincidentally, Melbourne barrister Peter O'Farrell, Harry's father, has been a secret weapon for the Blues in recent years.
O'Farrell has successfully overturned multiple player suspensions at the Tribunal while counselling the Blues, and notably played a part in clearing Patrick Cripps of his contentious bump in 2022, allowing him to be eligible for the Brownlow Medal.
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="400px" width="1000px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="1096px" width="1744px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)