THE Northern Blues has recalled experience as preparations heat up for the home-and-away season.

The Blues head to Punt Road today, taking on Richmond as a ‘curtain raiser’ for the AFL season opener across the road later tonight,

Northern has unveiled its strongest line-up of pre-season so far, welcoming back a host of names who for the clash against the Tigers.

After missing the game against Collingwood 11 days ago, Tom Wilson returns to lead the side.

He is one of 10 inclusions to Northern’s side, with three of those new Carlton draftees. Ben Silvagni and Liam Stocker will return to the fold, while Category B rookie Matthew Owies will play his first game after crossing from basketball to football.

Josh Hill and Jesse Palmer will play their first games for the year, as will Frank Anderson.

Carlton’s Patrick Kerr and Cameron Polson join Ethan Penrith to round out the inclusions.

Today’s game starts from 4pm at Punt Road.