WITH 2019 having officially arrived, it's time to cast the mind forward to the football season and what lies ahead for Carlton.

The AFL fixture was announced on the first day of November last year, with traditional timeslots a feature of the Blues' 2019 fate.

Here is a list of just six games to whet the appetite for the upcoming season.

Round 1
Carlton vs. Richmond
Thursday 21 March, 7:20pm — MCG

For the 12th consecutive year, Carlton and Richmond will get the AFL season underway when they meet under Thursday night lights in March. With all eyes on the Opening Round encounter, the match will hold extra significance for the Blues — more than just getting the season off on the right note. Marc Murphy is in line to play his 250th game, while the 1200th representative of the Carlton Football Club is almost certain to run out on the MCG.

Round 2
Port Adelaide vs. Carlton
Saturday 30 March, 4:40pm — Adelaide Oval

Carlton doesn’t have to wait long for its first interstate trip, heading to South Australia to take on Port Adelaide in Round 2. The Blues will be looking for their first win at Adelaide Oval, having been unsuccessful in the last three attempts. New Blue Mitch McGovern could play his 50th AFL game in his return to Adelaide, having previously played 48 games for the Crows.

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The Prince and the Governor. #BoundByBlue

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Round 5
Western Bulldogs vs. Carlton
Sunday 21 April, 1:10pm — Marvel Stadium

For the first time in five years, it’s a return to Easter Sunday football for the Blues. It’s a case of history repeating for Carlton, who took on the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium five years ago in the same round. In what may be his 15th appearance against the Dogs, Kade Simpson may pull on the jumper for game No.312 - equalling Stephen Silvagni’s tally.

Round 8
Carlton vs. Collingwood
Saturday 11 May, 1:45pm — MCG

Forty years after that tap from Wayne Harmes in the shadows of the Ponsford Stand, Carlton will do battle with Collingwood on a a Saturday afternoon at the MCG once again. The match will mark the 257th occasion the two sides have met, and it’ll be the only time the old rivals meet in the home-and-away season this year. Alex Fasolo could play against his old side for the first time since changing black and white for navy blue.

Round 11
Essendon vs. Carlton
Sunday 2 June, 3:20pm — MCG

Just like the game against Collingwood, Carlton’s Round 11 encounter with Essendon will be the only fixtured game between the Blues and Bombers. And just like the game against Collingwood, this will also mark the anniversary of the most memorable of wins. Could the Blues have a hero step up just like Fraser Brown or Anthony Koutoufides 20 years ago?

Round 20
Carlton vs. West Coast
Sunday 4 August, 3:20pm — Marvel Stadium

Carlton will have to wait until Round 20 for a taste of the reigning premiers, when it hosts West Coast at Marvel Stadium. As one of the Blues’ six consecutive games in Victoria to close out the 2019 year, this match with the Eagles could be a memorable day for one of Carlton’s West Australians. Without interruption, midfield gun Patrick Cripps would play his 100th game for the Blues on this day.