CARLTON mature-age recruit Matt Shaw is desperate to capitalise on his career lifeline and is eyeing a round one debut against reigning premier Richmond at the MCG.

The 25-year-old played 102 games in seven seasons with Gold Coast before he was delisted at the end of last season.

After training with the Blues for two weeks, he was picked up with the third overall pick in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

"I've really got to make the most of this second opportunity, I'm hungry to play AFL senior footy, that's what I'm here for," Shaw told carltonfc.com.au.

"There were a few weeks where there was a bit of lack of continuity, but now I'm on the list and trained a couple solid weeks now, so I'm starting to feel really comfortable with the group.

"I've played a lot on the wing, but I'm happy to fill any role in the team that 'Bolts' (coach Brendon Bolton) wants me to play."

Shaw often played in front of small crowds at Metricon Stadium during his time with the Suns.

It'll be a vastly different proposition if he can force his way into the Blues' side to face the Tigers for the traditional season opener, a fixture that attracted a crowd of 73,137 this year.

"I was stoked with the news I could train with Carlton for two weeks as a bit of a trial and when I got picked up as a rookie I was absolutely stoked to come to a club like Carlton with their big fan base," Shaw said.

"To get the opportunity to play in front of big crowds – Richmond v Carlton at the MCG in round one, it doesn't get much better than that."