BLUES coach Brendon Bolton has called on his players to "embrace the moment" when they take on the reigning premiers on Thursday night for the AFL season opener.

Ahead of the blockbuster clash against old foe Richmond at the MCG, Bolton said his improving side would not put a limit on what it could achieve in 2018.  

“We’re all so excited and can’t wait for next Thursday to get into the real deal and what better way against the reigning premiers,” Bolton said. 

“We want to embrace the occasion. We’re rapt that (Thursday night) timeslot is ours and Richmond’s. We never take it for granted. 

“In terms of the game, we don’t want to put a ceiling on it and we just want to take the game on. You only have to look at Richmond from last year and the jump they made. That gives a lot of positivity and energy.

“So we will embrace the moment, have no ceiling on what we can achieve and see where we can go.”
 

Earlier on Friday morning, the Blues announced the re-signing of exciting youngster Paddy Dow, who put pen to paper on a three-year extension which meaning the explosive midfielder will remain in the navy blue until at least 2022. 

“Paddy is a terrific young guy – he’s trying to learn off the likes of 'Murph' (Marc Murphy) and 'Crippa' (Patrick Cripps) and we love the signs (he’s showing), particularly his ability to explode out of stoppages. He’s got quick feet and uses the ball well and he really wants to learn,” Bolton told RSN'S 'The Breakfast Club'. 

“We’re rapt to have him but we need to keep in mind he’s only in his first year and hasn’t played a (senior) game yet. But the signs are that exciting and we’re rapt Paddy wants to be at our footy club for the long term.

“He had to get a feel and understanding as to whether it was the right environment for him and one where he could grow. The signs are obviously strong too that we want him for the long term.” 

After amassing 26 touches and 12 marks in the Blues’ JLT hit-out against Hawthorn last week, the coach flagged continued growth in key defender Jacob Weitering for the season ahead. 

“Weitering plays in a key pillar position at centre half-back or full-back and it’s a difficult role to play. He’s been working tirelessly with Cameron Bruce this pre-season and we’ve been seeing some really positive signs – he won a lot of the footy against the Hawks last week,” Bolton said. 

“Early signs are positive and let's hope he can have a big year for us because he’s a terrific intercept marker with a big body who we hope can hold up for us for the next 10 years to come.”