Details: MCG, Thursday 18 March, 7.25pm (AEDT)

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

THE GAME IN FOCUS:

AFL football finally returns to Melbourne, and it all kicks off with Richmond and Carlton at the MCG. 

Although the venue won’t be packed with Bluebaggers exclusively, it’ll be a good feeling to be back at the home of football.

The Blues have the chance to put their pre-season hard work to the test, and it'll be the ultimate test in football when they come up against the reigning premiers on Thursday night. 

With a few new off-season additions and a gruelling summer on the track behind them, a four-quarter effort will be the name of the game for the Blues after being left to rue inconsistency last season.

LAST TIME WE MET:

It’s been just over a year since Carlton faced Richmond in Round 1 in front of an empty MCG. 

While the Blues took a quarter to find their feet, it wasn’t long until they were giving the eventual premiers a run for their money. 

Carlton suffered a 24-point loss, but there was plenty to like about its performance particularly in the second half. 

Patrick Cripps led the Blues’ disposal count with 31 disposals, 17 contested possessions and 10 clearances, while Jack Martin kicked four goals in his Carlton debut. 

Jacob Weitering's dominant performance was a prelude of what was to come throughout his John Nicholls Medal-winning campaign, keeping star Richmond forward Tom Lynch goalless for the game. 

BLUE FOCUS:

No lapses in concentration: it's been a clear focus and message coming out of IKON Park all pre-season.

Keeping their structure when the heat is on and having players stick to their role is what Senior Coach David Teague identified as just some of the key learnings that the Blues took away from last year. 

It will give Carlton a chance to put themselves to the test against the best, testing how their structure stays in tact against the standout pressure side in the competition.

GET EXCITED ABOUT:

Lachie Fogarty and Adam Saad will make their Navy Blue debuts in front of 50,000 people.

Both arriving at the Club in the off-season, the former Cat and Bomber have enjoyed seamless summers throughout training and practice matches after arriving on Royal Parade for pre-season.

Saad with his speed in transition and Fogarty with his forward pressure will be something exciting that Blues fans can get excited to see all through the season, and it all kicks off on Thursday night.

BLUE VIEW:

Having footy back at the MCG is a sight for sore eyes. 

While it may not be full of Carlton supporters as an away game, it will be great to play in front of a Victorian crowd and have some of familiar Navy Blue in the crowd.

Fans can watch the game and won't have to wait long for their taste of the action, with Carlton's first home game of the season coming next Thursday 25 March against Collingwood.