NOTHING changes.

Carlton senior assistant coach Ash Hansen said the Blues would continue to look to back their weapons in as attention is firmly fixed on the MCG this Thursday night.

With footy returning home for the first time in 2024, both the Blues and Tigers are in unfamiliar territory leading into their traditional clash, with each team having played a game for premiership points in the build-up.

Having had the chance to get a proper look at the opposition, Hansen said the mantra was simple from a Carlton perspective: maximise the good bits from the Opening Round comeback over Brisbane.

07:59

"We have to be at our best": Hansen on Round 1 against Richmond

Ash Hansen spoke to the media about Round 1 against Richmond.

Moreover, despite Richmond starting the season on the losing end against Gold Coast, there would be no underestimating an opponent who have no shortage of strengths, as the Blues are well aware.

“I don’t think anything changes in relation to the way we want to move the ball and our personnel in relation to the opposition. We know Richmond are an incredibly proud footy side, and like us, didn’t start well on the weekend.

“They have a short turnaround, so have got to work. They’re back on the MCG and have got a lot of experience. We know what their best looks like.

05:21

Spotlight | Zac Williams' return

After a long, emotional 18 months, Zac Williams makes his return back to the game in Opening Round.

“We have to be at our best to take them on. It’s a great challenge, and one we’re not underestimating.”

Both sides have already seen just how much footy is a momentum game in 2024. Plenty has been made of Carlton’s comeback from 46 points down in the toughest of conditions, while Richmond remarkably gave themselves a chance of getting back in the game against Gold Coast after trailing by as much as 67 points in the second quarter.

With emotion sure to be riding high in the stands on Thursday night, the teams will have to navigate all that once again — and Hansen and the Blues wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Momentum has never been as strong in the game. Your ability to maximise when you do have momentum and then arrest it when the opposition has it is going to be critically important.

“With our [home] fans for the first time this year, we know they’re such a competition advantage. We’re looking forward to welcoming them down and playing for them, because they certainly inspire the group.

“It’s been a big week. We’ve learned, moved on and prepped for the Tigers.”