Richmond spearhead Tom Lynch will look to return from a hamstring injury for Thursday night's blockbuster against Carlton at the MCG.

Lynch will be keen to quickly return to the red-hot form that saw him boot 31 goals in his first nine games.

"I trained strongly yesterday so I'll be putting my hand up to play," he said.

"Obviously your first game back you're not sure how you're going to play but I'll just keep it pretty simple and just try and perform my role for the team."

Conditions are primed for Lynch, with Carlton backline general Jacob Weitering sidelined with a shoulder injury.

"He's one of the best defenders in the AFL so it's a bit of a loss for them," Lynch said.

"But as you saw on the weekend (against Essendon), it didn't matter too much."

Carlton stunned Richmond in round one and have kicked on since then.

Lynch was keen to embrace the underdog tag.

"I'll be looking forward to it (being the underdog) to be honest. I think we've been underdogs for most of the year in most games," he said.

"Carlton obviously are a really good team and they gave us a touch-up earlier in the year in round one and we're looking forward to playing them again.

"But they're obviously flying at the moment so it's going to take a big effort from us.

"Playing a team a second time you learn a fair bit. We feel like we're playing much better footy than round one.

"But I think Carlton, as good as they were round one, they were exceptional that night, they've gone to another level and improved throughout the season."