Footy is nearly here!

Grass is being cut, goal posts are being erected and white lines are being marked.

It’s only 16 sleeps until Carlton kicks off the NAB Challenge against Hawthorn in Launceston and 26 sleeps until the Blues take on archrival Essendon at their traditional home at Ikon Park.

Check out Carlton's NAB Challenge fixture

Carlton and AFL members can enter the Blues’ NAB Challenge games free, but you’ll have to get there early, as capacity is limited.

If you don’t want to risk missing out, members can guarantee entry by purchasing a general admission ticket or upgrading their membership to a reserved seat.

Tickets for members go on sale today, with tickets for the general public going on sale tomorrow.

Visit Ticketmaster, call 1300 136 122 or head to your nearest Ticketmaster outlet for more information.