TWO DAYS to go. 

The season opener between Richmond and Carlton is sure to be its usual spectacle, with a crowd projected of up to 90,000 people at the MCG. 

For the Blues, big crowds are a standard affair, topping the average home crowd for the competition in 2022.

Charlie Curnow acknowledged that the fan atmosphere can drive the players on-field, with the Carlton faithful specifically giving the group energy and drive on game day. 

“The Blues faithful, the fans that rock up every week . . . we rely on them, they give us energy,” Curnow said, speaking after the Club's partnership launch with Bupa.

02:35

Curnow on Bupa partnership, Round 1

Charlie Curnow spoke with Carlton Media to announce Bupa joining the Club as Member partner, and what he is looking forward to in Round 1.

“For us, it’s such an important part of our game day to have them there and supporting us. 

“I think they’re going to enjoy this year: we’re going to really need them at times and hopefully we can give them back a bit of energy.” 

Having shared their first game against Richmond since 2007 (bar 2014), Carlton fans will be familiar with the pulsating energy of Round 1 at the ‘G, hoping a repeat of last year is on the cards when the Blues took home a drought-breaking 25-point victory. 

01:33

On The Marc | The player Judd wishes he could have played with

Chris Judd reveals which current Carlton player he wishes he could've had in his 2011 team.

After what seems like an eternity, Curnow said the Blues are ready to put their pre-season training to the test and get stuck into the 2023 season officially on Thursday night. 

“You always look to this game at the start of the season as something we really enjoy,” he said. 

“It sets you up for the year, so the boys are going to display a really important style of football that we’ve been practising in the pre-season that we can hopefully take on into the season.”