With just two sleeps until the season opener against Carlton, Kane Lambert says the Tigers are ready to put their learnings to the test.
Following a “long five months” of pre-season, the premiership midfielder said Richmond eagerly awaits its first challenge of the year.
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“It’s like we’ve been studying for an exam and it’s time to put the book away and get going,” he said.
“We’ve made some significant gains and hopefully we’ll see that on Thursday night.”
Thursday night’s blockbuster is set to attract a mammoth crowd, after over 90,000 attended last year’s Tigers v Blues season opener at the MCG.
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Lambert said running out against their traditional rival in round one is an opportunity the players don’t take lightly.
“It’s one of the games that’s close to a final outside of the finals,” he said.
“It’s going to be a high contest, contested footy, it’ll probably be a bit scrappy but it’s always one that you want to play.
“Players train all pre-season and they just want to be in that round one team.”
With all eyes on recruit Tom Lynch as he approaches his return to AFL following a PCL injury, Lambert was more focused on the long-term impact Lynch will deliver the Club.
“He’s going to be here for a long time, whether he’s playing on Thursday or after that, he’s going to have a great impact for our club on and off field,” he said.
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“He shows a lot of care and he’s great with a mix of age, whether you’re a first year or 10-year player, he gets on well with you.
“He’s going to have an impact far beyond his football ability. So, we’re really looking forward to what Tom can do for this footy club.”
