CARLTON young gun Bryce Gibbs says he would relish a match-up on Ben Cousins in next week’s season opener against Richmond.

Gibbs didn’t play on Cousins when the Brownlow Medallist was at West Coast but he expects to tail him for at least part of next Thursday night’s clash at the MCG.

"If I do that would be a great experience," Gibbs said.

"He is a Brownlow Medallist and such a good player, it would be great."

Gibbs conceded the loss of playmaker Nick Stevens to suspension – a penalty rolled over from last season – would hurt the side, but said captain Chris Judd’s return to full fitness would provide some compensation.

"Juddy is really moving well," Gibbs said.

"When he is fit and firing he is almost unstoppable.

"We are just looking forward to the real deal. It is fantastic having the opening round of the AFL.

"We know we are up for a tough challenge but we really want to get off to a great start and the Tigers are in our way to do that."

Gibbs said full-forward Brendan Fevola was recovering from a foot injury sustained against Fremantle in last weekend's NAB Challenge match and was expected to play.

He also forecast that 18-year-old draftee Chris Yarran could be a surprise inclusion.

"[Yarran] looks really exciting; silky smooth and he is going to be really dangerous hanging around the feet of Fev (Brendan Fevola)," Gibbs said.

"He’ll definitely be in the mix [for selection in round one] for sure."

Gibbs is expecting a lift in his own game as well after plenty of off-season work.

Taken with the first selection in the2006 NAB AFL Draft, the 20-year-old played 21 games last year to secure a regular spot in the Blues' midfield.

"I have developed a lot as a player over the pre-season," he said.

"I have worked on my endurance and my skills and am feeling really good about myself at the moment.

"I thought last year was a bit inconsistent so hopefully I can have a good, consistent year."