The boys will be back in action on Thursday night at the MCG, opening the 2020 season against the reigning premiers.
As the game enters unprecedented territory, it’s a clash with a familiar foe to kick things off, with Carlton and Richmond to open the season for the 12th time in 13 years.
The Tigers proved to be the competition benchmark in 2019, ranking second in points scored — with Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt the main threats.
A returning co-captain, two debutants and the reigning premiers.
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) March 18, 2020
What can you expect from the first match of the season? #OwnTheFuture
Carlton will lean on Liam Jones and Jacob Weitering against the twin towers, with the defensive duo boasting a good record against them last year. They kept Lynch and Riewoldt to below-average output in goals, marks and disposals across two games last season.
Add in Sam Docherty - the All-Australian defender and co-captain - to play his first game since 2017 and the Blues have a bolstered defensive set-up in the season opener.
The co-captain looms as the ideal choice for any AFL Fantasy side. Ranked 38th for price among defenders, Docherty has proven himself to be one of the highest-scoring in his position across the League.
The battle of the midfielders will be worth watching in the centre, with Patrick Cripps and Dustin Martin sure to put on a show.
It’s a return to the home of football against a traditional foe, but it’ll be a historic game tonight at the MCG.
