RICHMOND'S Dustin Martin is still ill and in doubt to face Carlton but spearhead Tom Lynch will return from a hamstring injury for the blockbuster.

Coach Damien Hardwick said on Monday the star had a "lurgy" and was "doubtful" to face Carlton.

On Tuesday, Lynch indicated the triple Norm Smith medallist was still touch-and-go to play.

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"We're not too sure at this stage," Lynch told reporters on Tuesday.

"I think he's got the flu or whatever he's got. So he's a bit sick and hopefully, we'll see if he's in at the club tomorrow and if he trains he'll put his hand up.

"But if not, it's just one of those ones you've got to wait and see and most clubs have been through it at certain stages this season.

"So yeah, just wait and see with him and if he's right to play he'll play and if not he'll have to miss out."

Lynch will be keen to quickly return to the red-hot form that saw him boot 31 goals in his first nine games.

"I trained strongly yesterday so I'll be putting my hand up to play," he said.

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"Obviously your first game back you're not sure how you're going to play but I'll just keep it pretty simple and just try and perform my role for the team."

Conditions are primed for Lynch, with Carlton backline general Jacob Weitering sidelined with a shoulder injury.

"He's one of the best defenders in the AFL so it's a bit of a loss for them," Lynch said.

"But as you saw on the weekend (against Essendon), it didn't matter too much."

Carlton stunned Richmond in round one and has kicked on since then.

Carlton captain Patrick Cripps celebrates a goal against Richmond in round one, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Lynch was keen to embrace the underdog tag.

"I'll be looking forward to it (being the underdog) to be honest. I think we've been underdogs for most of the year in most games," he said.

"Carlton obviously are a really good team and they gave us a touch-up earlier in the year in round one and we're looking forward to playing them again.

"But they're obviously flying at the moment so it's going to take a big effort from us.

"Playing a team a second time you learn a fair bit. We feel like we're playing much better footy than round one.

"But I think Carlton, as good as they were round one, they were exceptional that night, they've gone to another level and improved throughout the season."