RICHMOND expects its blockbuster MCG clash with Carlton to be restored to its previous fixture as the season opener in 2015.
Thursday night's clash at the MCG is the first at the ground for the season after a split opening round and shared stadium cricket obligations.
It is expected to pull in a crowd of more than 70,000, leaving the Tigers to believe it will be returned to its former status as the home-and-away season opener next year.
"This is a rivalry worthy of being the traditional season opener and the number in attendance is the best evidence … of when this particular game [should be] held," Richmond president Peggy O'Neal said at the pre-match function.
"We trust that the game will be returned to its premium place in the fixture in 2015.
"The competition between the two clubs runs as deep as the rivalry that can only be developed over many decades of combat on this ground.
"The winner of this game gets bragging rights until the next match comes around.
"Having only won one of the past 12 encounters, we haven't been entitled to brag in recent years but I'm sure I speak for all Tigers supporters when I say that we have every intention of changing that tonight.
"Richmond-Carlton under lights at the MCG on a Thursday night in March … finally it feels like football season."
However, next year presents early-season scheduling challenges with the cricket World Cup series to play its final at the MCG on March 29.
This season, the fixture started with a split first round with the MCG and other cricket grounds unavailable for the fortnight.
The MCG's domestic cricket obligations ended on March 14 with the Victorian Bushrangers failing to make the finals.
The season was started early to allow for two split rounds during the season and to match the NRL for early fixturing in the northern markets.
Richmond and Carlton are looking for their first wins of the season on Thursday night after losing to Gold Coast and Port Adelaide respectively in round one.
O'Neal said the Tigers would honour former champions of the club this season at MCG home games in a move that would make a strong connection between the past and future.
A "coming home hero" of the club will walk to the centre circle ahead of the opening bounce before kicking a "ceremonial first goal" at the Punt Road end of the ground.
Four-time premiership player Michael Green will appear as the Tigers' first "coming home hero" on Thursday night.
