CARLTON will host Hawthorn in a practice match next Thursday at Ikon Park.

Kicking off from 4pm on Thursday 21 February, the Blues and Hawks will get their seasons off a week early prior to the JLT Community Series.

The match will be free entry for fans, with the front entrance and Gate 6 to be open from 3pm. Limited public parking will be available on the Northern Lawn of Princes Park from 2:30pm.

It will be the first chance for Carlton’s new acquisitions to jell with their teammates against external opposition, exactly a month before the Round 1 season opener against Richmond.

Two players who won’t be available for selection for the Blues are Patrick Cripps and Zac Fisher, who will feature for RAMPAGE in AFLX the following night.

The Blues will then host Essendon the following week on Thursday 28 February at Ikon Park from 6:40pm. Click here for tickets — general admission entry is free for members).

Follow match-day coverage of the game via carltonfc.com.au, the official Carlton Football Club app and social channels. Stay tuned for more details.