UPDATE: Richmond captain Trent Cotchin will miss Thursday night's season-opener against Carlton at the MCG due to illness.

Richmond at this stage will go into the clash with the Blues with 19 players from last year’s premiership side.

The Tigers have included dual premiership forward/midfielder Josh Caddy and livewire Jake Aarts.

Caddy, 28, was prolific in the Tigers’ sole AAMI Community Series hit out, gathering 27 disposals, 11 marks and kicking a goal.

Aarts, 26, comes back into the Richmond team for the first time since last year’s qualifying final loss to Brisbane.

The former Richmond VFL recruit was impressive for the Tigers throughout 2020, booting 14 goals from 14 games and averaging 2.3 tackles after making his debut in Round 5.

In a welcome addition for the Tigers, triple premiership star Dion Prestia has overcome the hamstring injury that kept him out of the AAMI Community Series, while spearhead Tom Lynch has recovered from a minor toe issue.

Marlion Pickett, Will Martyn, Jack Ross, and Mabior Chol have been named as emergencies, with one of the four to replace Cotchin in the final 22 and another to be selected as a medical substitute one hour prior to the first bounce.

Richmond will unfurl its 2019 and 2020 Premiership flags as part of the pre-game activity. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6.45pm for the ceremony.

The blockbuster clash will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and FOX FOOTY, from 7pm AEST.

Richmond's Round 1 AFL team v Carlton
Thursday, March 18, 7.25pm, MCG
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