Cancer fighter Rowe pushing to play

Sam Rowe takes a solid mark during the NAB Cup Grand Final. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

SAM Rowe is expected to make his AFL debut for Carlton on Thursday night, less than 12 months after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Rowe, 25, impressed the Blues in the NAB Cup of 2012 before consulting a specialist after he consistently tired during games.

He underwent chemotherapy and was given the all clear by his surgeon to return to the training track late last year.

The Barometer: Round 1

With Jarrad Waite's short-term availability unknown because of a persistent calf injury, 198cm Rowe has emerged as a forward-line target along with Levi Casboult and either Robbie Warnock or Shaun Hampson.

Rowe was taken by Sydney in the rookie draft of 2006, and joined South Australian club Norwood after failing to make it with the Swans.

Playing in the same side as Nick Duigan, Rowe's contested work on the forward line prompted the Blues to take him with pick 44 in the 2011 national draft.

His form has been solid in the pre-season and his attack on the ball has won praise from his coach Mick Malthouse.

Carlton's selection for its traditional season opener against Richmond will be a hot topic today with 28 players in the mix.

Chris Judd will start despite playing just one match in the pre-season. Another player may well have been given the substitute's vest, but Carlton know Judd will find a way to get up for a match with serious consequences.

Both clubs are desperate to increase membership and an opening win is the best way to do that.

Players in the selection mix include Tom Bell, Josh Bootsma, Aaron Joseph, Jeremy Laidler, Kane Lucas, Simon White plus Warnock/Hampson.

If the Blues choose to tag Richmond's Trent Cotchin then first option will be Andrew Carazzo, although Malthouse was never a heavy user of tags during his 12 years at Collingwood.

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