Most four-game AFL players would be walked through a significant amount of opposition footage and strategy planning by their coaching staff ahead of coming into the side for a big clash.

But with his considerable intel on all things Fremantle, Liam Reidy is not like most four-game AFL players.

The Docker turned Blue was on Thursday confirmed to make his return to Carlton’s line-up for this weekend’s clash at Optus Stadium, where he’ll tangle with long-time training sparring partner Luke Jackson and look to give his team the edge over a formidable Freo midfield.

It’s a timely call-up for Reidy, who will replace Marc Pittonet after the first-choice ruckman suffered a hand injury.

“I don’t have to spend any time in front of the TV screen with him this week, learning about what they do, considering he’s trained against them for the better part of two-to-three years,” Blues coach Michael Voss said of Reidy.

“He’s really looking forward to it.

“To be fair to him, as a player, he’s really improved himself over the course of the last little while.

“Through pre-season, he really pushed Pitto, and I think as a result of that, he’s probably made Pitto better.”

Reidy made three senior appearances for the Dockers across as many seasons after being picked up in the 2023 rookie draft. Having made his way to Carlton during last year’s trade period in search of greater opportunity, he was picked for the Blues’ season opener but hasn’t featured at the top level since.

The 25-year-old will face a tough task against one of the league’s premier ruckmen in Jackson, but former coach Justin Longmuir said he was on alert for a big performance.

“He’ll know our guys and we know him pretty well,” Longmuir said of Reidy this week.

“His ruck work has always been strong. He probably just didn’t get opportunities at our club because of who was ahead of him.

“His follow-up is strong. Expect him to crack in hard and complement a really strong midfield for them.”

Reidy is one of three former Fremantle players on Carlton’s list who will be eyeing revenge against their old club. Adam Cerra will look to help lead the Blues’ midfield unit against former teammates Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw and Hayden Young, while Blake Acres is also in the mix for a recall after strong VFL form.

The Dockers are hunting a sixth consecutive win when they start firm favourites on Saturday night. A victory would see the club match their longest winning run since their all-time best streak of nine during their campaign as minor premiers in 2015.