AFTER six months of waiting for Chris Judd to make his official club debut, Carlton fans can finally rejoice at the news that their new skipper has been named in the centre for Thursday night’s season-opening blockbuster against Richmond at the MCG.

Judd could only manage one NAB Challenge match over summer as he battled his way back from a serious groin injury, although his new club is confident he’s over the worst of the troubles which visibly dogged the superstar late in 2007.

Also debuting for the Blues will be seasoned midfielder Richard Hadley, named on the half-forward flank after he was traded by the Brisbane Lions for pick 52 during last year’s trade week.

Tall midfielder Jake Edwards, taken with selection 36 in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft, was named on the bench in what will be his first appearance at this level.

Richmond will start with ex-Western Bulldogs’ speed machine Jordan McMahon at half-forward, with Matthew Richardson due to start at centre-half forward after Jay Schulz was named at full-forward for his 50th game. Young star Nathan Foley is also due to reach the same milestone.

Ruckman Troy Simmonds will be make a welcome return after a horror 2007 campaign, but there’s no starting berth for Mark Coughlan, who has been directed to the Coburg Tigers in order to gain more match time.

Coughlan is coming back from his second knee reconstruction in as many years, and managed just one match in the pre-season.

The highly-rated Mitch Morton, secured from West Coast during trade week, has been named as an emergency.

More to follow.