CARLTON is set to have a near full list to choose from for next week’s season opener against Richmond.

Star ruckman Matthew Kreuzer was the only casualty to emerge from the Blues’ JLT Community Series win over Hawthorn, with a rolled ankle cutting his night short.

But in reassuring news for Blues supporters, Head of Football Andrew McKay said he wasn’t concerned about the big man’s availability.

“The good part about it (ankle injury) is that it’s really mild. Matthew will start training at the back end of the week and we’re very confident he’ll be right for Round 1,” McKay said on Tuesday. 

Jarrod Garlett is also in the mix for his club debut next week after succumbing to injury against St Kilda. 

The exciting former Sun showed his speed and goal sense against the Saints before a knock to the shoulder saw him sidelined in the second half.

“We rested Jarrod against Hawthorn. He seems fine and we expect him to be available for selection for Round 1,” McKay said. 

Fellow new Blue Darcy Lang faces a race against the clock to be fit for selection, along with rising defender Tom Williamson.

The pair hasn’t featured in the Blues’ pre-season hitouts because of ankle and back injuries respectively.

“He’s (Lang) started training well. It’s going to be a stretch and a race against time. We’ll have more information next week,” McKay said.

“Tom has started running again, which is fantastic, but he’s in the same boat as Lang.”

While All-Australian defender Sam Docherty won’t feature this season, fellow ACL casualty Sam Rowe is an outside chance to be in contention to face the Tigers. 

The 30-year-old has progressed well after undergoing a knee reconstruction in May last year.

“He’s had a couple of minor niggles. It’ll be a race against time to get him right for Round 1, so we’re thinking more Round 2 for Sam,” McKay said. 

With a 90-000-plus crowd expected at the MCG next Thursday night, the Club is encouraging all Bluebaggers to pre-book their tickets. Click here to secure your place.