Richmond has locked in its starting line-up for Thursday night’s highly anticipated season opener against Carlton.

High-profile recruits Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper have been named among the followers, joining Dion Prestia in the slated starting midfield, who has overcome a pectoral issue.

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Hopper and Taranto are set to be greeted by a bumper crowd for their Richmond debuts, with coach Damien Hardwick glowing in his excitement about the pair.

“We are looking forward to seeing what those guys contribute. It will be great to see them running out in front of the Richmond Army, I am sure they are excited (because) I am excited for them,” he added.

“We have been really impressed by what both can bring. They are both different. They complement each other (and) they complement us.”

Star player Dustin Martin has been named at full forward in Hardwick’s side, with the coach explaining to the media at his weekly press conference today, that the midfielder would play a slightly different role in 2023.

“He has had a great pre-season… It will be a slightly different role for him (this year). He has normally gone between midfield and forward. This year he will probably be more forward, less mid.

“What we do know, I think from a Richmond point of view, and an AFL community point of view is that we just love having him back, and we look forward to him having his best season because he is the sort of guy you come and watch play.

“I am sure when the game is in the cut and thrust and has to be won. There will be a big Number 4 that puts himself in there (the midfield) to probably get it done.

“He has got that license to play that way, and he puts himself where he needs to be, and he has a great understanding of how that role eventuates. He will monitor that and put himself in the position that gives the team the best chance of winning.”

Dual premiership players Marlion Pickett and Jack Graham have also been named, with the pair overcoming interrupted pre-seasons to take the field in Round 1, as has Jayden Short who had been in some doubt with a calf injury.

Rhyan Mansell is a further inclusion to the Tigers’ team that played in the Elimination Final against Brisbane, with the tenacious youngster rewarded for an excellent pre-season.

Richmond’s four emergencies for the Round 1 clash are Jack Ross, Samson Ryan, Judson Clarke, and Thomson Dow.

The Tigers will confirm which player steps into the 23 to be the substitute 60 minutes before tomorrow’s opening bounce.

Round 1, Richmond v Carlton, Thursday, March 16, 7.20pm AEDT, MCG
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