Carlton are hoping the return of Jack Martin and Zac Williams’ club debut can inspire them to their first round-two victory in nine years.

The Blues will be looking to avoid falling into another early AFL season hole when they host arch rivals Collingwood at the MCG on Thursday night.

Carlton have slumped to 0-2 every year since Brett Ratten’s last season as coach in 2012.

Despite a fighting first-up defeat to reigning premiers Richmond last week, the heat will be on Blues if they fail to conquer the Magpies.

Not that Teague is worried about that.

“It’s our second game of the year so you won’t catch me buying into that sort of thing,” he said on Wednesday.

“We want to go out and win, don’t get me wrong, but you can play really well and not win at this time of the year.”

Speedster Martin’s availability after being a late withdrawal against the Tigers is significant, as is Williams’ first appearance for the Blues after receiving a one-game suspension during the pre-season.

“I don’t whether he did it on purpose, but (Williams) gets to debut in front of hopefully 75,000 Carlton supporters,” Teague said.

“To have Zac back in there (is great); he’s tough, he tackles, he’s very smart with his ball use, particularly in traffic.

Veteran small forward Eddie Betts could also be an inclusion after missing round one despite having recovered from a calf strain.

Teague insists Betts remains in Carlton’s best team despite the goalsneak likely being in the final season of his decorated career.

“He unfortunately missed a fair chunk (of training), so right now it’s that balancing act,” he said.

“You’ve got to work out when you go to your best 22, or when you get him to the stage where he’s playing his best footy to come in and reward the guys that are playing their role.

“We’ve got some great competition for spots at the moment, it’s a good challenge for us coaches.”

Forward Jack Silvagni, who became the first player to be medically subbed out of an AFL game, has avoided a serious shoulder injury and is a chance to return for Carlton’s clash with Fremantle in round three.

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