If the crowd at Visy Park for Carlton’s final NAB Challenge match is an indication of the support the Blues can expect in 2011, it promises to be a big year.

Over 5,000 people were out on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Melbourne to see Carlton and Geelong complete their rehearsals for 2011. A good crowd, more membership sales, taking the 2011 membership total to over 34,000, has set the scene for an exciting year ahead and a big crowd for the season opening match against Richmond at the MCG on Thursday March 24.

The membership is approximately 3,000 more than for the same time last year and with the sense of anticipation among Carlton supporters the target of 50,000 members in 2011 is within sight. All it needs is for Carlton supporters to join as members and show the rest of the AFL how big the Carlton army really is.

For the Blues Henderson returned to action for the first time in the Carlton navy blue in the pre-season after a half a game with the Bullants last week. While Carrazzo returned for his first game of the pre-season campaign since the two intra-club practice matches in February.

In more positive news on the injury front, Brock McLean completed his first hit out since the intra-club games in the Northern Bullants match against Collingwood on Saturday morning. And both Ryan Houlihan and Setanta O’hAilpin are expected to return to action next Friday in the Bullants practice match against Coburg at Visy Park.

Don’t miss out on being a part of the Carlton team in 2011, join as a member and remember to be a part of the Blue Force and you will be in the running for some fantastic match day prizes.

Remember if you join as a member before March 18 you could be walking the match day football on to the MCG for the opening game of the 2011 season

Click here for your 2011 Carlton Membership

Click here for details on your chance to carry the ball on to the MCG for round one.

Click here for information on the Blue Force and your chance to win some great prizes.