General admission tickets will go on sale via Ticketmaster on Thursday morning at 9am. 

About 10,000 footy fans are expected to pack into the Queen's Elizabeth Oval for the game to watch two of the AFL's biggest rivals go head-to-head on March 15.

Carlton ruckman Cameron Wood said he was looking forward to putting on a show.

"I have played in Bendigo a few times and we usually get a large crowd, so I have no doubts we will get to play in front of another big crowd," he said.

"In the NAB Challenge last year we played in Ballarat and there were people seven or eight deep on the boundary line, so I am sure we will have more of the same in Bendigo.

"We are really looking forward to embracing the crowd." 

With the NAB Challenge game less than two weeks before the season proper, Wood expected fans to see some of the Blues' biggest names running around on the QEO. 

AFL Central Victoria regional manager Paul Hamilton urged fans to get their tickets sooner rather than later. 

He said if people wanted to attend the game they should buy their tickets as early as they could as he fears some people could miss out. 

"Entry for AFL and club members is free" Hamilton said. 

"Carlton and Collingwood have thousands of members, so you will need to get in quick."

"The game won't be like what fans here are used to, you won't be able to turn up and the gate and get a ticket, you need to go online and buy them."

Hamilton said the NAB Challenge match was a great way to begin a big year of local footy. 

"They are two teams with wonderful traditions, so to have them play here is very exciting, it will be a great opportunity footy lovers," he said.

General admission tickets cost $18 for adults and concessions, juniors under the age of 15 are $4 and families are $36. 

They can be purchased via Ticketmaster at 9am on Thursday.

For more information visit www.afl.com.au