Jack Martin in action during the Marsh Community Series. Picture: AFL Photos

AS MUCH as it possibly can be, it remains business as usual at Carlton – so much so that new recruits Jack Martin and Jack Newnes have been told they will make their club debuts in Thursday night's season-opener against Richmond.

However, amid the global COVID-19 outbreak, whether the game ultimately goes ahead remains another question.

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The Blues will be informed by the AFL on Wednesday as to whether the fixture, currently scheduled to be played behind-closed-doors at the MCG to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, will proceed as planned.

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Clubs have taken drastic measures in an attempt to protect their players from the spread of the virus, with Carlton among the many teams and sporting organisations around the world to close its headquarters to external visitors earlier this week.

However, internally, Blues coach David Teague has said the club has attempted to retain as much normality within the football department as possible ahead of their bout with the reigning premiers.

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That has included some much-needed good news in the form of Martin and Newnes, who at this stage will play their first games for Carlton on Thursday night after being recruited in the off-season via Gold Coast and St Kilda respectively.

"There have been some challenges," Teague said on Wednesday morning.

"But, to be honest, our players – once they step over onto the oval – our training on Saturday and Monday was of a really high standard.

Right now, I'm pretty excited. Our players are in a good headspace to go out there and perform

- David Teague

"As much as there are a lot of conversations going on off the field, once we're getting on the field the boys are bringing the intensity we need and the intensity we're going to need against the opposition tomorrow night.

"Right now, I'm pretty excited. Our players are in a good headspace to go out there and perform. They want to play, so while we're in that mindset we haven't had to go too far out of our way to try and educate them or motivate them."

There has been much speculation as to whether round one should go ahead as planned, with the AFL already announcing a reduced 17-match fixture in preparation of an enforced layoff at some stage this year to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.

If we get given the all-clear to play, then we'll do our best job to prepare our players to play the best game of footy they can

- David Teague

But while the League will officially confirm its plans for round one on Wednesday, Teague revealed his players were keen to begin the season in just over 24 hours' time.

"I know our players want to go out there and play," Teague said.

"They want to entertain the fans, even though they'll be at home and from a distance.

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"So, as a coach right now, if we get given the all-clear to play, then we'll do our best job to prepare our players to play the best game of footy they can."

Along with Martin and Newnes, Teague expects young defender Sam Petrevski-Seton to be named despite missing both of the club's Marsh Community Series games due to an ongoing quad injury.

However, key attacking trio Charlie Curnow (knee), Harry McKay (groin) and Eddie Betts (calf) will be unavailable for selection, while defender Caleb Marchbank (knee) will also miss the clash.