Carlton have confirmed defender Sam Docherty will lace up the boots in Thursday's Round 1 clash with Richmond.

Docherty, who has been looking to build his fitness across the pre-season after undergoing a 12-week bout of chemotherapy, is set to be named in the Blues' season opener in what will be a sensational inclusion for Michael Voss' debut game as coach of the club.

The Blues will enter Thursday's affair as an evenly-favoured outfit against the Tigers as they look to snap their 11-game losing streak to Richmond.

Docherty's presence is sure to be greatly felt among Cartlon's backline, with the 28-year-old offering a cool, calm and collective role in his side's rearguard.

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The former Lion collected 38 possessions in a VFL practice match earlier this month against Casey, placing him on course for an early return to the Blues' selection planning.

Docherty hasn't played since Round 15 last season, having revealed a recurrence of testicular cancer in August.

Docherty stepped down from his duties as co-captain of Carlton earlier this year, with Patrick Cripps appointed as the sole skipper of the club.

The Carlton half-back has played 109 games for Carlton since arriving from Brisbane at the end of the 2013 season.

The Blues and Tigers will clash at the MCG on Thursday night, with the opening bounce scheduled for 7:25pm AEDT.

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