Richmond has named exciting teenage small forward Daniel Rioli to make his senior league debut in tomorrow night’s 2016 season-opener against Carlton at the MCG.

Rioli, who was the Tigers’ first pick (No. 15 overall) in last year’s National Draft, has been rewarded for his impressive work throughout the pre-season.

See how Carlton will line-up in Thursday night's season opener

The 18-year-old showed some promising signs for Richmond in the NAB Challenge series and the Tigers believe he can provide their forward line with a boost through his elite running ability, defensive pressure, silky skills and goal sense.

Mature-age recruit Jacob Townsend also will play his first game for Richmond in the Round 1 clash with the Blues.

Townsend, 22, was secured by the Tigers in a trade from Greater Western Sydney late last year after playing 28 games in four seasons with the Giants.

The big-bodied, tough on-baller will add some valuable grunt to Richmond’s midfield.

Clever playmaker Shane Edwards has recovered from the shoulder injury he sustained during the Tigers’ final NAB Challenge match against Port Adelaide and takes his place in the line-up. 

Get all the match day information for the Season Opener against Carlton

Shaun Hampson will be the team’s No. 1 ruckman against his former club Carlton, in the absence of Ivan Maric, who has a back injury.

Richmond also has selected its first two picks from the 2014 National Draft – Corey Ellis and Connor Menadue – in its team for the opening round.

The Tigers’ three emergencies are Andrew Moore, Taylor Hunt and Troy Chaplin.

Round 1 Team

B:  Astbury, Rance, Grimes
HB:  Vlastuin, Houli, B. Ellis
C:  Griffiths, C. Ellis, McIntosh
HF:  Lambert, Martin, Edwards
F:  Riewoldt, Lloyd, Vickery
R:  Hampson, Townsend, Cotchin
IC:  Morris, Menadue, Miles, Rioli
Em:  A. Moore, Hunt, Chaplin

New: Daniel Rioli, 18, 180cm, 71kg, from North Ballarat Rebels/St Mary’s (NT), and Jacob Townsend, 22, 187cm, 89kg, from GWS/Leeton/NSW-ACT Rams.