Potential Carlton father-son recruit Bailey Rice is set to run out for the Northern Blues this weekend when they take on Collingwood’s VFL side in a curtain raiser at the MCG.

Rice is the son of Carlton 1995 premiership player Dean Rice, who played 118 games for the Blues and 116 games for St Kilda. It means young Bailey is eligible to play for either club under the AFL’s father-son rules.

Northern Blues coach Luke Webster says the big-bodied 18-year-old will have a big decision come draft time.

“It’s obviously going to be a good opportunity for him to get in and have a look at the Northern Blues culture and also the Carlton Football Club culture,” Webster said.

“His father was a great player here and we’re looking forward to giving him an opportunity – and what an opportunity to be able to play on the MCG!”

Rice, a speedy defender, has averaged 22.5 disposals from eight TAC Cup matches with the Dandenong Stingrays this season. Webster says he’ll be a handy inclusion for the Northern Blues.

“We know that when he gets the ball in his hands he uses it really well by hand and by foot, so we’ll be looking to utilise him as much as we can to create some scoring opportunities.

“He is a bit of a mature body and he does like to crack in, so hopefully we get to see that on the weekend.”

Saturday’s match will mark the first time the Northern Blues will play in a curtain raiser at the MCG in the home and away season, although some of the team will have set foot on the hallowed turf before, having played a practice match at the venue in the pre-season.

“This is a game where we get to play for four points so it’s a great opportunity for our guys to hopefully play in front of a good crowd and to play at the home of footy,” Webster said.

“The curtain raisers this year have been terrific and it gives the senior guys a chance to see the younger guys playing before them,” Webster said.

“I think there’s definitely value in bringing the whole club, staff, players and coaches, together on the same day at the same venue.”

Meanwhile the 14th placed Northern Blues will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s big loss when they face the 7th placed Magpies.

“It’s going to be a challenge but we’ll be looking for a tough, hard contest,” Webster said.