The goal posts have been erected, the lines have been painted and the grass has been cut – footy is back, and don’t we love it!
Carlton and Richmond kick off the official season tonight at the MCG, with an estimated 80,000 fans expected to attend and cheer on their team.
The line-up for the Blues will look vastly different to the side that ran out against the Tigers in Round 1 last year, with the retirement of club champions Chris Judd and Andrew Carrazzo.
As 15 new players arrived at the Blues during the off-season, not to mention a host of new coaches, Carlton has spent the pre-season learning a new game plan and bonding as a team.
One of those new players is No. 1 draft pick, Jacob Weitering. The defender’s impressive performances against both Essendon and Sydney in the NAB Challenge have earned him a spot in the season opener.
Since draft day, Carlton coach Brendon Bolton has made a point of instilling a simple message in all of his players, especially the new draftees: no one is “entitled to anything”.
"(From) day one it wasn't about the number at which he was drafted, it was about him earning a spot, and he knew he wasn't entitled to anything," Bolton said.
"But this one he's entitled to. He played really well in the NAB series and he gets his first chance.”
Other players who will don the navy blue jumper in their first home-and-away game include former Giants Jed Lamb and Andrew Phillips, as well as ex-Crows Sam Kerridge and Matthew Wright.
Carlton skipper Marc Murphy will also line up against Richmond, in what will also be his first hit-out of the new year.
While Carlton will head into the match with a near full-strength side, it’s quite the opposite for the Tigers.
Earlier in the week Richmond’s vice-captain Brett Deledio was ruled out of the match with a quad injury, while former Blues Chris Yarran and Shaun Grigg are recovering from foot and thumb injuries respectively. Key rucmkan Ivan Maric has also been sidelined, with Shaun Hampson to battle it out with ex-teammate Matthew Krezuer in the ruck.
Richmond will be without star midfielder Brett Deledio. (Photo: AFL Media)
Although Carlton was unable to record a win during the NAB Challenge, its ability to work as a team, coupled with its attack on the ball, pushed the opposition to deliver its best – including reigning premier Hawthorn and 2015 preliminary finalist Sydney.
Richmond’s form in the NAB Challenge saw it beat the Hawks, but fall short against Fremantle and Port Adelaide.
There’ll also be plenty of interest surrounding the rotation cap, which has been dropped to 90 this season, as coaches and players look to adjust to the new rule. The sub has also been scrapped, with four players to make up the bench in 2016.
With less than eight hours until the first ball is bounced, the anticipation surrounding the season opener couldn’t be higher. So head to the MCG tonight and show your support, Bluebaggers – the journey begins now!
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