On the first Thursday of the 2016 season, 75,706 football fans flooded the stands of the MCG to witness Richmond host Carlton in the opening battle of the season.

In that hit-out it was the Tigers who proved too strong for the Blues, booting four goals to one in the fourth term to claim a nine-point victory.

But when the traditional fight launches the 2017 AFL season tonight, it will be Carlton to call the ‘G home with the aim of defeating Richmond for the first time since the 2013 elimination final.

From the first bounce, the Blues can expect their opposition to attack with confidence as it enters the season proper on the back of two JLT Community Series wins.

With promising new recruits Dan Butler, Toby Nankervis, Josh Caddy and Dion Prestia to headline the Tigers’ squad, a strong midfield challenge awaits the Blues.

Speaking to the media ahead of the match, Carlton coach Brendon Bolton acknowledged the force of Richmond’s midfield, but was confident his men would hold their own against the yellow and black.

“With (Toby) Nankervis and now (Josh) Caddy and (Dion) Prestia they’ve (Richmond) got more midfield depth (in 2017), but we’ve got some guys that can hold their own in there (midfield),” Bolton said on Wednesday.

“Cripps, Murphy, Gibbs – they haven’t been together for a while because of Murphy’s injury so it’s going to be a good battle.”

Having earned the three Brownlow votes for his performance in the opening hit-out last year, Patrick Cripps is sure to attract the attention of Richmond but according to club coach Damien Hardwick, the entire Blues squad would be in the eyes of his Tigers.

“They’re a well-drilled side, Carlton,” Hardwick told the media on Wednesday.

“Defensively they’re very good behind the ball. They set up very well from a structure point of view.

“When they play their best footy, they can beat anyone in the competition. Make no doubt about that.

“We’re very wary of the Blues.”

Across the last 10 meetings, the sides are equal with five wins apiece, but Richmond leads the recent battle tally having won the past four matches.

With both teams striving to bag the four points when they meet for the 217^th time tonight, fans can expect another exciting clash to kick off Round 1.

Carlton and Richmond will face off from 7:20pm on Thursday 23 March, at the home of footy – the MCG.

Be there to witness the action live. Secure your seats here.