With minimal time left until the first hit-out of the 2017 AFL season, senior coach Brendon Bolton has declared the Blues’ line-up will be infused with youth.

Ahead of Thursday night’s blockbuster clash with Richmond, Bolton announced the Blues’ 22 would comprise a balance of both “experience and youth”, with the side also set to welcome a fully fit Patrick Cripps.

“You’ll see quite a few of the youngsters of our future on Thursday night,” Bolton told Fox Sports News on Monday. 

“You’ll see as many as five or six players around the age of 20 (take the field) … That’s exciting for us.”

Since he was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his lower back in late November last year, Patrick Cripps was no certainty to feature in Round 1.

But following a successful return to the field throughout two of the side’s JLT Community Series matches, Bolton was pleased to announce the young gun would don the navy blue on Thursday night. 

"I can confirm that Patrick Cripps has got through and is ready to play for us (against Richmond),” Bolton said. 

"We're rapt with the work that he's done and the conditioning staff to have him up and ready to play.

"He's terrific for us in and around stoppages, we know he wins the contested footy and he'll be important for us on Thursday night."
 

With 12 new faces calling Carlton home at the end of 2016, Cripps is set to be joined by a few new Blues in the season-opener.

And according to Bolton, their addition to the playing group has bolstered the senior brigade.

“They’ve (new recruits) added some enthusiasm to our more experienced players in Simpson, Murphy and Gibbs,” he said.

“They’re (senior players) rapt to have that crew around them.”

Former Giants Caleb Marchbank and Jarrod Pickett are two such players in contention to line up against the Tigers after impressing the coach in the Club’s pre-season campaign. 

 

“Marchbank across half-back, he has trained really well and intercepted the ball well in the JLT Series and Pickett only in the last game kicked three goals,” he said.

“We think we’ve added a little bit of depth there but also made sure our long-term future is strong with Pickett and Marchbank being young.”

While the new Blues look to demand the eyes of the spectators, Bolton highlighted the development of Carlton's leaders and praised their efforts in fostering the playing group from the ground up.

“We also should acknowledge and watch the growth of our leaders because they’ve nurtured our young guys,” he explained.

“In fact, they (leaders) were the top five in our best and fairest (last year).”

The Blues will lace up their boots to face Richmond at the MCG on Thursday night from 7:20pm.

If you’re not already #BoundByBlue for 2017, sign up to a Carlton membership today and join the Blues as their journey continues. Visit membership.carltonfc.com.au or contact our friendly membership team on 1300 227 586.