4. Defining Period

Rounds 1-4 loom as pivotal to Carlton's finals hopes, they open their season against Richmond and while not many people will expect them to beat the reigning premiers, they can certainly send an early message.

Nick Vlaustin and Ed Curnow during the round one AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 22, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia.

The Blues take on Collingwood, Fremantle and the Gold Coast in must-win games to round out their opening month. They must be pulling in three wins from their opening four before matches against Port Adelaide and Brisbane.

Any slip-ups will see the Blues playing catch up from the get-go, if they manage to upset one of the aforementioned premiership contenders it could set up their season from the onset.