VETERAN Matthew Richardson has no qualms about travelling interstate for Richmond's final practice game before the home and away rounds.

The Tigers have had a mixed bag of fixtures in recent weeks – starting their year against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval, playing Collingwood at the MCG 11 days later and heading to Shepparton for a clash with St Kilda last Friday night.

They meet Carlton in the 2009 Toyota AFL Premiership Season opener on Thursday, March 26.

However, close to a full-strength Richmond team will be fielded for Friday night's NAB Challenge match against the Brisbane Lions at Gold Coast Stadium.

Richardson joins Brett Deledio, Nathan Foley, Nathan Brown, Shane Tuck and Ben Cousins among the additions to the side that lost to the Saints.

"You need to do that (pick a strong side) leading into round one," he said from Punt Road on Wednesday.

"It is going to be a good test against Brisbane on the Gold Coast. It’s going to be pretty humid and stormy. We’ll find out where we’re at."

But Richardson said he could understand Carlton coach Brett Ratten's concerns about his team's trip to Bunbury, two hours south-west of Perth, to play Fremantle this week.

"It’s a long trip over to Perth and it does take a lot out of you," he said. "You’ve got to travel to Perth during the season.

"I guess you’ve got to get used to it. It is probably not ideal leading into round one but someone has to go over there to play so we’re pretty happy it’s Carlton."

Entering his 16th season, Richardson added that there is a noticeable change around Tigerland this year.

The sentiment has extended to supporters, with Richmond announcing a membership figure of 31,053 – its highest ever.

"Every year you are full of optimism but this year does feel different," Richardson said. "There’s been a lot of excitement around the club for a few different reasons.

"The progress we made through the last half of last year and obviously the signing of Ben (Cousins) brought a lot of excitement to the club.

"It’s feeling really good but the proof is going to be in the pudding. You have to get out there and win games. The players have to step up the fans have stepped up and signed up and it is our turn now."

Thirty-four next week, Richardson is now the oldest player in the competition. Unsure what the future holds for him beyond 2009, he admits last year's move from the forward line to a wing gave his career a needed spark.

"It was obviously a good move for both parties in the end," he said. "I wasn’t sure how it was going to work early on. I thought the next position might be out of the team.

"It worked out well and I’m happy about that. It has given me a bit of a new lease of life."

Dream Team watch – Matthew Richardson is rated a $434,600 midfielder/forward in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009