CARLTON captain Chris Judd will kick off his 2011 campaign this week when he lines up for the Blues against Greater Western Sydney in Canberra on Saturday.

Judd missed Carlton's NAB Cup clashes with Collingwood and Richmond two weeks ago after missing both Carlton intra-club matches.

His inclusion was confirmed on carltonfc.com.au on Tuesday morning.

His return to the Carlton side is in line with coach Brett Ratten's plans for him this pre-season.

"This is about his (Judd’s) tenth pre-season in the AFL and we know the workload he has each year, so he will not commence playing matches until after the first round of the NAB Cup," Ratten said last month.

"The focus is on being prepared for round one and the season ahead."

The dual Brownlow medalist is on track to play his 200th game in the round two clash with Gold Coast, which will be the Suns' first AFL home and away match.


Chris Judd is a $426,600 midfielder in the Toyota AFL Dream Team.