EXPECTATIONS are normal.

Adam Cerra is sure that there will be a lot of noise around Carlton come Opening Round in Brisbane, but to him and the Blues, they’re used to it.

Learning to block it out and embrace it in equal measure has been a balancing act for the Club, but Cerra believes the group is getting pretty good at it.

With the team going through plenty of ups and downs together, the midfielder thinks they’re ready for any scenario.

“[The noise] can be [a lot] at times, but I think our last two years, we’ve faced a lot of noise — good and bad, we’ve experienced it all,” Cerra said.  

“The playing group at the moment know how to deal with it a lot better. We’re excited to focus on being great teammates, getting your job done and coming to work and getting better every day.

“As long as we’re all doing that, I’m sure it will hold us in good stead.”

The prospect of facing Brisbane - particularly on its home deck - is a daunting one for any team, but Cerra says the team are relishing taking on a strong opponent in enemy territory.

Testing themselves in arguably footy’s toughest assignment straight off the bat is what Carlton has worked on over the pre-season, and with the support of the travelling contingent behind them, the 24-year-old midfielder is keen to get started.

“Brisbane has been a great team for a number of years now and I think any team at their home, particularly Brisbane, are tough to beat.

“They spend more time at the ground and they play a lot of footy together so we know our work is cut out for us but we’re really excited for the challenge.

“The Gabba creates a good energy and buzz, but we’ve also got a really big supporter base that we’re really grateful for. We know there will be a few Bluebaggers in the crowd and we can’t wait to play for them – hopefully they bring the noise.”