Richmond and Carlton have locked in their sides for Thursday's AFL season opener, with the Blues set to introduce a trio of club debutants, while the Tigers will unleash a new star midfield pair.

Michael Voss' side sees rookies Ollie Hollands and Lachie Cowan make their maiden appearances, while former Docker Blake Acres will pull on the navy blue for the first time on Thursday night at the MCG.

Young tall Tom De Koning will take on the sole ruck duties for Carlton, with senior ruck option Marc Pittonet named as an emergency.

Despite being under an injury cloud, small forward Jesse Motlop has been named on the interchange, while veteran midfielder Ed Curnow has been named after missing the entirety of the 2022 season.

After welcoming Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper from GWS, Richmond fans will get their first glimpse of the midfield pair when they lock horns with Carlton's strong midfield pack.

The duo will add to a deep engine room under Damien Hardwick, who has Jayden Short, Jack Graham and Dion Prestia all available despite recent injury concerns.

Dustin Martin and Shai Bolton will start in attack before adding more fire power to Richmond's midfield ensemble.

Both clubs will name their tactical subs one hour before the bounce.

Thursday's match will take place at the MCG and will commence at 7:20pm (AEDT).

RICHMOND

FB: N.Balta 21 N.Vlastuin 1 D.Grimes - C 2
HB: N.Broad 35 L.Baker 7 D.Rioli 17
C: K.McIntosh 33 D.Prestia 3 J.Short 15
HF: M.Rioli 10 J.Graham 34 S.Bolton 29
FF: J.Riewoldt 8 D.Martin 4 T.Lynch 19
FOLL: T.Nankervis 25 T.Taranto 14 J.Hopper 22
I/C: B.Miller 46 M.Pickett 50 T.Cotchin 9 R.Mansell 31

Emerg: J.Ross 5 S.Ryan 32 J.Clarke 42 T.Dow 27

Carlton 

FB: Le.Young 33 J.Weitering 23 A.Saad 42
HB: S.Docherty 15 M.McGovern 11 L.Cowan 26
C: B.Acres 13 P.Cripps - C 9 O.Hollands 14
HF: J.Martin 21 H.McKay 10 J.Silvagni 1
FF: M.Owies 44 C.Curnow 30 Z.Fisher 25
FOLL: T.De Koning 12 M.Kennedy 7 G.Hewett 29
I/C: N.Newman 24 A.Cerra 5 E.Curnow 35 J.Motlop 3

Emerg: J.Honey 36 L.O'Brien 4 L.Plowman 20 M.Pittonet 27