SECOND-year rookie Daniel Nicholson has been elevated to the primary list for injured ruckman Max Gawn, who has been placed on the long-term injury list.

Nicholson, who played nine matches in his debut season last year, has been selected in the initial squad against Carlton at the MCG on Sunday. He has been named on the seven-man bench.

It will be Nicholson’s first match this season, after he missed the opening two rounds with a foot injury, before returning to the VFL. 

The 21-year-old made his debut against the Blues in round 10 last year.

Nicholson was drafted at No.14 in NAB AFL Rookie Draft, held in December 2010.

Gawn, who suffered a knee injury last December, will be sidelined for the rest of 2012.