Cockatoo, who hasn't played since injuring a knee in a clash against West Coast seven weeks ago, passed a final fitness test on Thursday and has been named on the wing against the Seagulls.

With Scott Selwood also set to make his long-awaited return from injury in the VFL in the coming weeks – and Mitch Clark, Nathan Vardy and Josh Cowan waiting for their call-up – the Cats have plenty of back-up options for AFL level in the run home to the finals.

The match against the Seagulls also has ramifications for the Cats' VFL team.

If the Cats can upset the reigning premier, they will climb inside the top eight, given their superior percentage to that of Port Melbourne and Box Hill, who clash on Saturday.

Key Seagulls midfielder Cameron Lockwood will miss the game through injury.

Carlton's rising youngsters Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow will make their returns from long-term injuries on Saturday for the Northern Blues against Sandringham at Preston City Oval. Both players have been named on the half-forward line.

Carlton coach Brendon Bolton was adamant McKay would make a considerable impact in the second half of the season.

"He's been fantastic Harry ... he had a long-term injury of about 12 or 13 weeks so he's really focused on learning and being a student of the game. He's been as good as any first-year player in terms of trying to study the game while he's been injured," Bolton said.

"We think we've got a talent there but it's just going to take some time."

Northern Blues coach Josh Fraser was also adamant youngster Jack Silvagni was closer to an AFL debut, after being named as an emergency for the AFL clash against St Kilda in round 12.

He was expecting Silvagni to work on a number of areas where "he needs to improve" in the clash against the Zebras.

Fraser said the club was still finding its way and "trying to build" consistency, sitting in 11th spot and knowing that a win against the Zebras is pivotal to its finals hopes.

Round 12 (tips in capitals)

Saturday: FRANKSTON v North Ballarat, Frankston Oval, 2pm; PORT MELBOURNE v Box Hill Hawks, North Port Oval, 2pm; WERRIBEE v Coburg, Avalon Airport Oval, 2pm; Northern Blues v SANDRINGHAM, Preston City Oval, 2pm.

Sunday: WILLIAMSTOWN v Geelong, Burbank Oval, 2pm; COLLINGWOOD v Richmond, Victoria Park, 2.10pm.