CARLTON will blood five new faces in its season-opening clash against Richmond on Thursday night at the MCG, while Richmond has also selected a debutant for the contest.  

New Blues coach Brendon Bolton enters his first game in charge of the club with a big task to knock over last year's finalists, and will take in a new-look Carlton outfit. 

Click here for each club's full injury list

No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering will make his debut, while new recruits Matthew Wright, Sam Kerridge, Jed Lamb and Andrew Phillips will all play their first games in the navy Blue after crossing to the club during last year's exchange period.

First-round draft choice Charlie Curnow, the younger brother of midfielder Ed, has been named as an emergency. 

The young Blues will be joined by skipper Marc Murphy, who has overcome a shoulder injury and a limited pre-season to make the cut for round one, while big names Patrick Cripps and Bryce Gibbs are also in Carlton's team.

The Tigers have had to shuffle some of their best-laid plans in recent weeks after a spate of injuries, with key players Brett Deledio (quad), Shaun Grigg (thumb) and Ivan Maric (back) not selected against the Blues. 

Shaun Edwards has been picked despite the Tigers fearing he had broken his collarbone in their final NAB Challenge game, while first-round draft choice Daniel Rioli will make his debut for the club.

Rioli, a cousin of Hawthorn star Cyril and great nephew to Richmond champion Maurice, was selected at pick No.15 at last year's NAB AFL Draft after an exciting season for North Ballarat and the Northern Territory. 

Former Giant Jacob Townsend will make his first appearance for the Tigers after being traded last year, while second-year players Corey Ellis and Connor Menadue have also been selected.

Experienced defender Troy Chaplin has been named an emergency with David Astbury picked ahead of him in a defensive role, while Taylor Hunt and former Power midfielder Andrew Moore are also emergencies.

Richmond v Carlton at the MCG, Thursday March 24, 7.20pm AEDT

RICHMOND
New: Jacob Townsend (GWS), Daniel Rioli (St Mary's)

CARLTON
New: Sam Kerridge (Adelaide), Jed Lamb (GWS), Andrew Phillips (GWS), Jacob Weitering (Dandenong Stingrays), Matthew Wright (Adelaide)