Richmond vice-captain Brett Deledio can’t wait to be part of the MCG’s first match of the 2014 season, when he lines up for the Tigers in Thursday night’s blockbuster against Carlton.

Although it’s not the season-opener, as it has been in recent years, this battle between the traditional rivals, at the famous venue, is no less significant.

In fact, given that both teams lost their opening round fixture, further fuel has been added to the fierce rivalry fire . . .

Find out all about the pre-game activities for Richmond’s first home game of the season this Thursday night

“Yeah, it’s been built up by the outside sources.  I don’t think the clubs are building it as much.  The players certainly aren’t,” Deledio said on SEN’s “Morning Glory”.

“I saw a photo of the ‘G’, and it looks in immaculate nick, so I’m looking forward to getting out there, with as big a crowd as possible.”

Deledio is unperturbed about Richmond’s recent record against Carlton, which has netted just one win in the past 12 encounters.

“I don’t think there’s any scars there.  It’s obvious we’ve let a few leads go, but that’s been as much Carlton’s good play as our bad play,” he said.

“I go into every game expecting to win.  It’s a far cry from where we were when ‘Dimma’ (Damien Hardwick) first started.”