Essendon will face Carlton in its first hitout ahead of the 2021 season. (Photo: AFL Photos)

Essendon will face Carlton in its first hitout ahead of the 2021 season.

Held behind closed doors as per an AFL directive, the practice match will kick off at 11am at Ikon Park on Thursday, February 25.

Fans will be able to attend the Bombers' AAMI Community Series match against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on March 6.

The hitout against the Blues could see up to eight new Bombers don the sash for the first time, following the acquisitions of Peter Wright, Nick Hind and Jye Caldwell in the trade period, and Nik Cox, Archie Perkins, Zach Reid, Cody Brand and Josh Eyre in the draft.

The matches against Carlton and Geelong will serve as vital tune-ups for the Bombers ahead of their round one clash with Hawthorn on March 20.

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