Richmond v Carlton facing threat from other Round 1 games

Round one of the AFL season begins with a blockbuster MCG clash — but the Richmond-Carlton encounter is already tipped to be overrun. Keep up to date with all the latest news.

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Hawthorn’s extraordinary transformation into a genuine premiership heavyweight has put its round one clash with Essendon on track to trump the crowd for the Richmond-Carlton MCG blockbuster.

Estimates have forecast a higher attendance for the Friday night game at the MCG between the Hawks and Bombers (84,000) than the traditional-season opener between the Blues and rebuilding Tigers (82,000).

It means the hype and excitement around the ‘Hollywood Hawks’ after an impressive round one win over Sydney Swans could help the Friday night round one game draw a bigger crowd than Thursday night clash for the first time in 13 years.

Not since 2012 when Hawthorn toppled Collingwood in Nathan Buckley’s first game as senior coach has the Friday night’s crowd topped the Thursday night traditional Richmond – Carlton clash.

Sam Mitchell’s men put away the trademark celebrations and selfies on their trip to Sydney for the first win of the season last weekend, but their return to their home ground could yet see a return to the individual flair which lit up the competition last year.

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Last-minute walk-ups could yet sway the final figures by several thousand with hot conditions and a top of 33 degrees forecast for Friday and a top of 37 degrees predicted Saturday.

The sweltering conditions on Saturday is set to trigger the AFL’s extreme heat policy for Geelong-Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium, giving the clubs extended breaks at each change of ends and more cooling equipment on the interchange bench.

Over 80,000 are expected for the blockbuster. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

The clubs are in talks with the AFL about activating more water carriers and will formalise the heat mitigation measures prior to the game.

Essendon’s pulling power has also not been diminished despite missing finals again last season with considerable anticipation around the Isaac Kako and Nate Caddy young forward combination set to launch the club into a new era.

The Bombers have confirmed Kako will make his debut on Friday night after an excellent pre-season including a four-goal haul against Geelong in the AAMI Community Series.

The traditional rivals will also mark the 40-year anniversary of the 1985 Grand Final when Essendon won back-to-back premiership deciders over Hawthorn.

Richmond’s crowd figures could take a significant hit this season with the Tigers a clear $1.17 favourite to win a second-straight wooden spoon with a young squad.

Sam Lalor will debut for the Tigers. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

The Tigers are thrilled with the young talent assembled after taking seven draft picks inside the top-30 selections including number one and midfield-forward bull Sam Lalor.

Pick one Lalor, who has overcome a recent jaw injury, pick 21 and key defender Luke Trainor and pick 23 key forward Harry Armstrong have all been cleared to make their debuts against a prime Carlton missing superstar Charlie Curnow (knee).

Carlton and Hawthorn will draw another blockbuster 80,000 – plus crowd when they collide next Thursday night at the MCG.

The MCG is set to unveil two more tap-and-go express food and beverage outlets this year as well as a new 1956 Mediterranean restaurant exclusively for MCC members to help celebrate the 1956 Olympics.

Originally published as Richmond v Carlton facing threat from other Round 1 games