Carlton veteran Marc Murphy is set for a near-permanent move out of the midfield as the Blues seek more experience in their AFL forward line.
The former Blues skipper made his name as a classy onballer, but Carlton feel the time is right for the two-time John Nicholls medallist to have a greater presence closer to goal.
Apart from Eddie Betts, most of Carlton's key goalkickers are still developing.
But 33-year-old Murphy will be unleashed inside-50 to combine with Betts, former Geelong player Lachie Fogarty and Zac Fisher.
"We've certainly added to our depth in terms of our small forwards," Blues forward coach Cameron Bruce said.
"(Murphy) will spend a majority of time forward. His ability to cover the ground and connect for us, we've seen that over many of years.
"We haven't got an overly experienced forward line that have played a lot of footy together and you need to have those leaders down there to connect the group."
Murphy has always been a goal-threat, kicking 189 majors during his 285-game career, including a best season of 31 back in 2009.
Carlton expect Betts to have an immediate impact when they battle reigning premiers Richmond in the season-opener on Thursday.
Despite suffering a calf setback during the preseason after an inconsistent 2020, Bruce believes Betts still can be a matchwinner.
"(Betts) just wants to enjoy his footy," Bruce said.
"We've seen with a number of players in the twilight of their careers, if they're enjoying their footy and they're positive, they can keep going for a long period - just ask (Hawthorn's) Shaun Burgoyne.
"Those experienced players (like Betts) don't need big amounts of training (leading into the season)."
Blues leading goalkicker Harry McKay is expected to face the Tigers despite injuring his ankle in the last practice match against St Kilda.
