CARLTON and Richmond will go in as named for Thursday night's season opener as a crowd, predicted to reach over 90,000, starts to roll in to the MCG.

The Blues have named four new players, including prized draftee Paddy Dow, in their 22 as they seek to move into a more attacking phase of their development under coach Brendon Bolton.

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The Blues have also named ex-Giant Matthew Kennedy, former Sun Jarrod Garlett and ex-North Melbourne defender Aaron Mullett.

Richmond has named 18 of its premiership 22, with half-back Bachar Houli, midfielder Dion Prestia, small forward Daniel Rioli and defender Nathan Broad missing.

Rioli's replacement, Shai Bolton, has earned his place on the Thursday night stage after an impressive pre-season and will slot into the small forward line that drove last year's premiership.

Corey Ellis was a late bolter into the Richmond line-up, overtaking Anthony Miles and Sam Lloyd in the race to snap up the injured Prestia's midfield spot. 

Jayden Short and Reece Conca will both play, with the pair getting an early opportunity to lock down a spot while Broad serves a club imposed suspension.

Richmond v Carlton at the MCG, 7:25pm AEDT

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FINAL INTERCHANGES
RICHMOND: Shane Edwards, Jason Castagna, Jayden Short, Corey Ellis
CARLTON: Jack Silvagni, Paddy Dow, Jarrod Garlett, Jacob Weitering