Young Blue Tom Williamson believes the Blues are primed for a finals tilt in 2021.
Speaking exclusively to Zero Hanger, Williamson said the Blues have had a terrific pre-season and are ready to break their eight-year finals drought.
Carlton haven't featured in the post-season since 2013 and haven't officially finished inside the top 8 since 2011, having been awarded a finals berth in 2013 when Essendon were suspended from the finals during the supplements scandal.
The 22-year old told Zero Hanger that finals were on the agenda heading into the new season.
"It's (finals) obviously the goal for every club, we've put in the work and if we do things Teaguey wants and get our jobs done we should get enough wins to hopefully sneak in, Williamson said.
It comes ahead of tonight's season opening clash between Carlton and Richmond at the MCG, where the reigning premiers go in as hot favourites.
The Blues haven't beaten the Tigers since that 2013 finals series, but have been competitive in almost every clash with them since.
Williamson said that the group has done the work to be primed to upset the Tigers tonight.
"The vibe is really good, we have a really good (training) block behind us.
"Everyone's in pretty good nick and the boys are really confident heading into the first round.
"We know Richmond is obviously going to be very tough but we think we've got a lot of improvement out of a lot of players and we should put in a good show."
When asked about that improvement, Willamson named Paddy Dow as one to watch.
Dow has been much maligned in his first three years at Carlton, mainly due to his poor ball use and inability to impact games.
The former Pick 3 was dogged by injuries in 2020 but looks set to get a chance in the midfield with new recruit Zac Williams missing through suspension.
"From a midfield perspective I feel Paddy Dow has had a really good block, he's looking really strong and fit.
"He has taken on that midfield role and is running really well, he's worked a lot on his kicking so I think he will take a big step."
Williamson also named David Cuningham and Zac Fisher as ones to watch in 2021.
"David Cuningham is one if he can get out on the park and put his best foot forward, Zac Fisher is another one for us up forward.
"He's really embraced that role and if he can kick 2 or 3 a game he's going to be a massive help to us."
Williamson was a hit amongst Carlton fans when he made his debut in 2017, but a debilitating back injury saw him miss the entire 2018 season and restricted him to just two games in 2019.
The backman said he was feeling as good as ever and excited for 2021.
"I missed pretty much two full years which was pretty hard, to get those games last year behind me I know the body is going to hold up.
"Working with Andrew Russell he put in a really strong program so I have full confidence in my body and you cant fault how much that will help going into this year."
The 22-year old said he was excited to play in his first season opener against the Tigers and said it would be a good test for the Blues.
"I've actually never played against Richmond, so I'm really keen to get out against them. They're the cream of the crop at the moment.
"I can't wait to get out there and obviously in front of a crowd as well, that's even more exciting. I can't wait."
The Blues will unveil two club debutants on Thursday night ,with Adam Saad and Lachie Fogarty named to play by David Teague on Wednesday.
However, a host of senior players are unavailable, including Williams, Jack Martin, Eddie Betts, Mitch McGovern, Caleb Marchbank, Tom De Koning, Nic Newman and Charlie Curnow.
Tonightโs clash will get underway at 7.25pm AEDT.
