Tom Lynch will make a popular return from injury when Richmond and Carlton play their traditional round 1 blockbuster at the MCG.

Tigers coach Adem Yze confirmed Lynch - their key forward "godfather" - has recovered from his pre-season concussion and will play in Thursday night's clash.

"It's a great magnet to have. To be fair, the players around him really need him - we have a really young forward-line group," Yze said of Lynch's return.

"To have the 'godfather' down here, to help out, he sits in our meetings (and) he's obviously such a great leader.

"He'll have his young minions around him ... and the big fella will give us a contest."

Lynch has played only eight games in the past two seasons because of injuries.

No.1 draft pick Sam Lalor and fellow round-one selections Luke Trainor and Harry Armstrong will debut against the Blues.

Lalor suffered a fractured jaw and concussion in a pre-season game last month, but Yze said he is ready to play.

"We knew it was only minor, only a hairline fracture, and a lot of players have come back really quick from that," Yze said.

"He's such a diligent kid and we wouldn't put him at risk - if he wasn't ready to play, we wouldn't play him. He was itching to play."

Sydney hosted two games last weekend as part of the cyclone-depleted opening round, but Yze said he felt like Thursday night is the real season starter.

"A Carlton-Richmond game at the 'G, Thursday night - it feels like it's the first game of the season," Yze said.

"Opening Round is what it is, but we always have the opportunity and we have the privilege to play against a big team on the big stage in round one.

"We can't wait to get going."