Carlton aren't getting carried away despite their crushing AFL season-opening win over Richmond, says midfielder Jordan Russell.

The Blues stunned the Tigers with a 83-point victory in front of a massive crowd at the MCG.

Coach Brett Ratten told his troops he was delighted with their performance, but reminded them it was a long season ahead.

"Ratts just emphasised the point that it's only round one, and we've still got another 21 rounds plus finals if we get there," Russell said on Friday.

"It was good to get round one out of the way and now we'll concentrate on next week and the Brisbane Lions."

While the competition points were important, Russell said his team had taken a lot more out of the win, particular the impact of their four debutants.

"The young boys came in and adapted really well straight away.

"They stepped in and didn't look out of place. They all came in and chased and pressured and tackled which was exactly what we wanted them to do.

"Our pressure was a big highlight before the game and I think we stuck to our guns there for four quarters."

Rather than relying on big gun Brendan Fevola, the Blues shared the goals around, with Russell himself getting in on the act and snaring a spectacular goal in the final quarter.

"We had five or six midfielders who kicked goals," he said.

"That lightens the load on Fev and allows him to just go out and play his normal game.

"If there are other targets it does take the pressure off him and it's a great way to score more goals for the team."

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