Injury-plagued Carlton forward Charlie Curnow will be eased back through the VFL this weekend in his first competitive game in more than two years.
The 24-year-old has experienced a series of knee problems since last playing in a dramatic Blues win against Fremantle in June 2019.
Curnow has been training strongly at Princes Park for some time but Carlton have chosen to tread carefully with one of their prized assets.
Blues coach David Teague confirmed the exciting goal-kicking talent was raring to go.
"He won't play the whole game and we're going to build him up according to our plan," Teague said.
"He'll play probably 60 to 70 minutes at this stage.
"I know he's excited, the boys are excited and I think our fans will be excited. We can't wait to see him just get out there and have some fun."
Teague said Curnow would be considered for AFL selection should his body hold up and return some solid form.
Curnow has kicked 77 goals in 58 games for Carlton since being drafted in 2015.
The Blues are enduring a difficult season, sitting 13th with a 6-10 record, but one of the shining lights has been the form of Harry McKay.
Favourite to take out the Coleman Medal, McKay has enjoyed a breakout season with 48 goals and recently signed a new contract to remain at Princes Park.
If Curnow can recapture his best form, the Blues would suddenly have two of the league's best and most dangerous goal-kickers in their forward line.
Under some pressure to keep his job, Teague has only been able to lead Curnow three times during his coaching career after taking over from Brendon Bolton in mid-2019.
Meanwhile, Carlton are preparing to face rivals Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday as planned, despite a fresh COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria forcing some teams to relocate interstate.
"I haven't heard anything at all about any moving or relocating or shift of games," Teague said.
