Much anticipated draft prospect Harley Reid will feature in a curtain raiser match ahead of Carlton's Saturday night match-up against the Western Bulldogs.
Fixtured to have a bye round this weekend, the 10th-placed Bluesย VFL side will take on the AFL Academy at Marvel Stadium.
The game is to ensure that player fitness is upheld and to perhaps utilise a new gameplay as they currently look to push into the top eight and play finals.
Reid has already made two appearances for Carlton's VFL side with his first against Footscray, then Brisbane just last weekend. However, his role in the team was switched from midfield to half-back and displayed his ability to be a 'two-way' player.
In the match against Brisbane, he was ranked as one of the better players on the field with 20 disposals, eight tackles, eight marks and five inside 50s. A few turnovers were also recorded but showed that he can do plenty of damage moving the ball from the back line.
Reid isn't the only top prospect expected to feature in the game for the AFL Academy. Jack Delean, fresh off a seven-goal performance in the SANFL over the weekend, will also be one to watch. Zane Duursma is also threatening to go big as he continues to increase his draft value, while Nathan Philactides who had 13 disposals against Gold Coast two weeks ago, featured for Richmond's VFL side.
This is the second game that the Acadamy side will play together after their last match-up with Port Adelaide's SANFL side resulted in a 13-point loss at Mount Barker during the AFL's Gather Round weekend.
This match-up will provide an opportunity for all rookies to impress AFL scouts, who will no doubt be in attendance.
The Coates Talent has been on a small break but will return on the 19th of May.
Carlton's VFL side will face the AFL Academy at Marvel Stadium, with gates opening at 4:00pm local Time, with the first bounce at 4:10pm.
Squads will be announced on Saturday morning.
