Richmond v Carlton: AFL Thursday preview

Richmond and Carlton go head-to-head in their traditional AFL Round 1 clash at the MCG on Thursday evening.

Now that 'Opening Round' is out of the way, the remainder of the AFL teams get their campaigns underway.

It is not that long ago that Richmond dominated this fixture as they won three premierships, with Carlton struggling towards the wrong end of the ladder.

Now the roles have been reversed, with Carlton hoping for a successful season, while the Tigers embark on a rebuild.

However, with so much pride on the line, the Blues cannot take anything for granted against a youthful Richmond side.

The MCG will be packed for the return of the AFL season as these two Victorian powerhouses battle it out.

Richmond v Carlton betting preview

Tigers set to unleash young guns

2025 will be all about trying to avoid the wooden spoon for a Tigers outfit that is going through a rebuild.

Blooding new talent while attempting to pick up one or two wins along the way, is likely to be as good as it gets for Richmond.

But there is enough for the Tigers faithful to get excited about, including No.1 draft pick Sam Lalor, who will make his AFL debut against Carlton.

Lalor has recovered from concussion and will be able to take his place in the side that runs out at the MCG.

He will be joined by fellow draftees, Harry Armstrong, who was pick No.23, and No.21 pick Luke Trainor.

The Tigers will also have some experience back available, with gun forward Tom Lynch set to play a role.

Lynch has had a tough couple of years on the injury front and keeping him fit will be key to the rebuild. He is priced at 13.00 to boot the first goal of the game, or 1.18 to score at anytime.

The Tigers will also be missing Dion Prestia, Hugo Ralphsmith and Josh Smillie.

Carlton look to set the tone

Carlton are among the hot fancies for the premiership this season and will be desperate to get off to a strong start with a convincing win.

There were just five points in the Round 1 fixture in 2024, before winning by a much more convincing 61 points in Round 16.

Carlton can be backed at 2.75 to win by 1-39 points on Thursday night and 1.52 to win by 40+, which says it all.

The Blues will be missing gun forward Charlie Curnow, but they will not be lacking in firepower, with Harry McKay almost as deadly up forward.

 McKay can be backed at 7.50 to kick the first goal of the game.

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Richmond v Carlton odds

Richmond - 10.00
Carlton - 1.05

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.