Carlton has given Jacob Weitering the green light to face old teammate and Sydney recruit Charlie Curnow on Thursday at the SCG, while Collingwood's Darcy Moore has been ruled out.
Weitering was in some doubt after he fractured his ribs in the State of Origin game after a heavy contest, resulting in him being stretchered off Optus Stadium.
The Blues vice-captain has been treated cautiously over the past three weeks, but after a training session on Tuesday, he'll be selected.
Carlton also announced a pair of debutants, with Jagga Smith and Harry Dean to be named in the side.
Recruits Ollie Florent and Will Hayward are expected to face their former side, while Ben Ainsworth is likely to line up inside 50.
The Pies confirmed that Moore was at least a week away from overcoming his calf, while fellow defender Jeremy Howe could need another fortnight.
Collingwood take on Adelaide in Round 1 at the MCG.
ACL victim Reef McInnes needs at least four weeks before he's available for selection, leaving the black and white defence relatively bare.
Joel Cochran's impressive summer puts him in the frame to debut against the Saints on Sunday.
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