Jacob Hopper has become accustomed to the big stage, and more importantly, the weight that the modern-day traditional Round 1 blockbuster between Richmond and Carlton carries.

This will be Hopper's fourth appearance in the Tigers and Blues Thursday night opener, and it is a tradition he holds dear.

"We are so excited. It's one of the games you pencil in early to attend. It's one of the games of the season, even though it's so early," Hopper told Richmond Media.

In his last three outings against the Blues in Round 1, Hopper has starred. In 2023, in his Richmond debut, he had 18 disposals. A year later, he was best-on with 25 touches, and last season, he collected 22 disposals and booted a crucial goal in the 13-point victory.

But the ever humble 29-year-old, who has already notched up 51 of his total 165 career games in the yellow and black, knows that the hard work is a shared load.

Hopper is keen to showcase the team effort and process on Thursday night in front of a packed MCG.

"There's always a level of expectation ahead of Round 1 individually and as a group," Hopper said.

"At the same time, I'm more excited to see how our system stacks up against a quality opposition. Hopefully, we can walk away with some points. It's been a good, tough pre-season, and I feel like we're in good shape."

And while Opening Round has come and gone, Hopper and his team are still keen to ensure Thursday night's occasion is one the Tiger Army won't forget.

"It still feels like this is the first hit out of the season for the league, so we still feel pride in being the ones who get to do that and kick the season off," he said.

Richmond take on Carlton at the MCG this Thursday from 7.30pm (AEDT).