IT'S A season opener like you've never seen before. 

Just 173 days after the Tigers lifted the premiership cup in front of 100,014 people, they return to kickstart their flag defence against Carlton in front of an empty MCG.

FOLLOW IT LIVE Tigers v Blues

Adhering to government rules for no mass gatherings, only a Richmond banner emblazoning 'We are the Tiger Army' at the Punt Road End can be seen across the seats. 

As the teams entered the venue to light drizzle, players' voices could be heard bouncing off the vacant grandstands.

Even Tigers list manager Blair Hartley was forced to help retrieve balls during the Tigers' pre-game with no nets to stop shots at goal.

Clubs CEOs and presidents aren't even in the venue, while Channel 7 icon Bruce McAvaney had to give AFL football operations boss Steve Hocking two-metres clearance for a pre-game interview. 

Both teams remain unchanged, with Jack Graham and Sydney Stack the only additions to a Richmond line-up boasting 20 of last year's premiership 22.

Carlton co-captain Sam Docherty will play his first game in 936 days after back-to-back ACL reconstructions, while the Blues will unveil Jack Martin and Jack Newnes for the first time. 

And yes, they played the team songs as players ran out with no banners.

Richmond v Carlton, MCG, 7.40pm AEDT

NO LATE CHANGES

FINAL INTERCHANGES
Richmond: Daniel Rioli, Toby Nankervis, Sydney Stack, Marlion Pickett
Carlton: Kade Simpson, Zac Fisher, Michael Gibbons, Will Setterfield