Big-drawing Carlton determined to play more at MCG

Carlton are exploring opportunities to play more games at the MCG as the Blues prepare to set a 53-year first.

In the week the club cracked 100,000 members for the first time, Carlton are set to become the first team to play in front of a crowd of more than 80,000 people for five-straight MCG matches since Collingwood did so in 1970 and 1971.

Carlton will achieve the feat against their famous rivals, hosting the Magpies in a MCG blockbuster on Friday night.

The run started during the Blues' two finals at the MCG last September, followed by matches against Richmond and Geelong this season.

Last Saturday's crowd of 87,775 was the biggest attendance for a home game in the Cats' history.

Carlton currently host six games at Marvel Stadium and five at the MCG during the season.

"We've spoken about that, I know it's on the agenda for the club," Blues coach Michael Voss said about playing more at the MCG.

"At the end of the day, it's over to the AFL to decide.

"Our people are making a strong statement about turning up and being present at the MCG and turning up in numbers.

"We'd love that to happen, but we also understand there's a process to go through to make that happen."

Making the crowd figures and membership numbers all the more impressive, the Blues are only starting to come out of the darkest period in the proud club's history.

The elimination final win over Sydney last year was their first post-season win since 2013.

The Blues ended up reaching a preliminary final for the first time since 2000.

Carlton's last grand final appearance came back in 1999, with their 16th premiership coming four years prior to that in 1995.