Carlton will prepare for season 2015 with three big games against West Coast, Collingwood and Geelong. 

The AFL has today unveiled its pre-season fixture, with a three round NAB Challenge to be played from February 26-March22. 

The Blues will kick off the pre-season in the west with a match against the Eagles in Mandurah on Friday 27 February. 

Country Victoria will then play host to a Carlton-Collingwood blockbuster, with the Blues to take on the Pies at Bendigo’s Queen Elizabeth Oval on Sunday 15 March. 

Carlton’s final game of the pre-season will be on Sunday 22 March against Geelong at Etihad Stadium. 

“Having a later start and a two-week break between our first two games will give us an opportunity to really look at our list and make a smoother transition into the season,” Buttifant said. 

“Effectively that means we will have more time to prepare players and can spend more time on the tactical side of the game. It’s a great balance.”

The AFL will release the 2015 home and away fixture on Thursday.