CHRIS Judd will have his first hit-out of 2013 in Friday night's NAB Cup Grand Final, as a success-starved Carlton prepares to select a round-one quality side to take on the Brisbane Lions.
Judd, who hasn’t played a pre-season match due to a slight hamstring strain, is excited by the prospect of making his first appearance on such a big occasion.
"(I'm) looking forward to it," Judd told carltonfc.com.au on Tuesday.
"(I've) never won a NAB Cup Grand Final before so it'll be good to have a run. The hamstring's feeling good, so I can't wait."
Coach Mick Malthouse indicated the Blues are deadly serious about winning the pre-season premiership.
"When you’re in it, you’re there to win it. All excuses are out," Malthouse told the club website.
"You put your side on the ground that you think is best equipped for round one (of the) AFL season. Now if that helps suit the NAB Grand Final, so be it.
"We're going to put a very competitive side out there and our goal is to come away with some silverware."
He expects strong opposition from the Lions.
"We know that Brisbane are on the up. We've played some very good football sides so far and Brisbane is no exception," he said.
"They are very young, enthusiastic, move the ball very well, had a wonderful last part of the season last year (and are) another one of those that are vying for the final eight. So psychologically it'd be good to get over them as well."
