Details: MCG, Thursday 25 March, 7.20pm (AEDT)

Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy, AFL app, Kayo

THE GAME IN FOCUS:

There were positives to take from last week's season opener from a Carlton perspective, but there's still plenty to work on from David Teague's point of view.

While the Blues were able to keep up with the reigning premiers for the majority of the game, losing the territory battle and a late fadeout saw the Tigers take home the win. 

With the historical ledger tied at 127 wins apiece, Carlton must concentrate on playing out the whole quarter, keeping their structure intact and continue to keep a level head when the heat is on.

With some speed and class added to the side in the form of Jack Martin and Zac Williams, the Blues will back in their quick ball movement and locking the game inside their forward half.

This game will also mark the 12th Richard Pratt Cup in a clash that raises awareness for prostate cancer in Australia.

BLUE FOCUS:

Teague noted that centre bounce and subsequent territorial battle was a crucial area that hurt the Blues last Thursday, and something that has been a key focus throughout the week.

The midfield group that will have Williams added to it this week will have their work cut out for them against a tough opposition midfield, with Steele Sidebottom back in Collingwood's line-up alongside experienced heads Taylor Adams and Scott Pendlebury.

Williams’ ball use will be a welcome addition for Carlton in its midfield brigade, alongside Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh who were standout players through the middle last week. 

Another focus area for the Blues will be reducing the amount of times the opposition enters their forward 50 and locking their ball at their own end, limiting the opposition's ability to score and giving their own forward line every chance.

GET EXCITED ABOUT:

Zac Williams in Navy Blue. It's as simple as that.

Having seen glimpses of the new Blue in the pre-season matches, fans will be excited to see what the former Giant can do, particularly through midfield traffic. 

Williams’ speed, class and decision-making in tight is something that was on display throughout Carlton's pre-season games, and the recruit will be keen to make up for lost time after missing the season opener.

BLUE VIEW:

Carlton fans will be back at the MCG to watch their side play under the lights for the first time in a long time.

With the capacity of the MCG increased to 75,000 fans, there will be a sea of Navy Blue able to attend Carlton’s first home game for the year (with tickets still available).

Fans can also look forward to celebrating Harry McKay’s 50th AFL game, with the young forward already providing a fair few highlights in his career so far.