The match that traditionally opened the season between 2007-13 has finally arrived and it will have an extra edge after last year's elimination final. A bumper crowd is expected at the MCG as both teams look to respond to poor round one performances. Richmond fell to Gold Coast by 18 points at Metricon Stadium in round one, wasting the ball going inside 50 and missing chances. This week the use of key forward Jack Riewoldt will be under the microscope after a lack of entries were directed to the dual Coleman medallist against the Suns. Carlton wasted a 22-point lead against Port Adelaide and was overrun in its season opener, eventually going down by 33 points at Etihad Stadium. Coach Mick Malthouse has complained of a lack of match hardness from a host of Blues who had interrupted pre-seasons.



WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Thursday March 27, 7.45pm? 


LAST FIVE TIMES?
1EF, 2013, Carlton 18.8 (116) d Richmond 14.12 (96) at the MCG
R21, 2013, Carlton 16.10 (106) d Richmond 14.12 (96) at the MCG
R1, 2013, Richmond 14.22 (106) d Carlton 14.17 (101) at the MCG
R18, 2012, Carlton 14.11 (95) d Richmond 13.13 (91) at the MCG
R1, 2012, Carlton 18.17 (125) d Richmond 12.9 (81) at the MCG

THE SIX POINTS?
1. It was two wins to one in 2013 between the Tigers and Blues with Carlton winning twice, including a come from behind 20-point victory in the first elimination final in front of 94,690 at the MCG.

2. Despite losing to Gold Coast in round one, Richmond had 406 disposals, ranking it third. Carlton struggled with just 310, leaving them second last.

3. Carlton has dominated Richmond in recent seasons, winning 11 of the last 12 contests including nine straight wins in 2008-12.

4. One thing in the Blues' favour in round one was marks inside 50. They took 15, ranking them second, while Richmond took just seven.

5. In 2013 at the MCG Richmond was impressive, winning nine of 14 matches while Carlton’s results were mixed with four wins and five losses.

6. In round 19 last season, Jack Riewoldt was ranked No.48 in the AFL Official Player Ratings. He ended the season ranked No.57 but slipped to No.68 after the Tigers' season-opener against Gold Coast. The highest ranked Carlton player is Chris Judd (No.23 overall). 

Prediction: Richmond by 12 points