Preparation for Round 1 remains paramount for the Blues in their final JLT Community Series match.
When Brendon Bolton’s squad takes on Fremantle at Domain Stadium later today, fans can expect to see a near full-strength line-up face the Dockers.
“We’re pretty keen to make sure that come Round 1, we’re fully prepared,” assistant coach John Barker said.
“We’ll go in with a reasonably strong line-up and we really just want to implement what we’ve been working on over the pre-season for four quarters.
“We’re keen to play some good footy and give ourselves the best preparation for Round 1.”
Experienced heads Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Kade Simpson and Sam Docherty are among the players set to make their return to the field after watching from the sidelines as the younger Blues battled St Kilda last weekend.
On the back of a disappointing result, Barker said he “absolutely” expected the senior players to make an impact in their return for the Blues' final practice match.
Patrick Cripps will also pull on the boots in his home state in his second consecutive pre-season game.
After playing only a half of footy against the Saints, more game time is on the cards for the young midfield “bull”.
“We’ll dial up ‘Crippa’s’ minutes again,” Barker said.
“That’s whatever gives us our best chance of him being at his best in Round 1."
As the focus lies on the season ahead, the game will be an important one for Carlton’s stocks looking to cement their place in the forward line.
And with a developing playing group, the space in the Blues’ forward 50 is open to the growing talent, according to Barker.
“We’ve got a lot of young, tall guys who are going to play forward for us (this year), so whoever develops the quickest probably gets the line share of the opportunities this year,” he said.
“We’re (coaches) keen ourselves to see what that best mix looks like and this game is another opportunity for players to put their hand up and show that they’re at the forefront of our minds for Round 1.”
With the Blues on the road for the first time this year, Barker said the experience would provide another opportunity for growth before the battle for premiership points begins.
“We’re about learning and getting better and a road trip is exactly what that is – an opportunity to get better and learn and grow,” he said.
“Learning’s big for us regardless of what we do, whether it’s JLT, whether it’s Round 1, 2 or 3.”
Carlton will take on the Dockers at Domain Stadium from 5:40pm WST on Friday 10 March with Carlton’s AFLW team’s Round 6 hit-out against Fremantle to precede the clash at 3:05pm WST.
