Friday night marks the rematch of the season opener, with Carlton taking on Richmond at the MCG.

In front of 83,493 fans it was the Tigers who took the four points in the Round 1 clash, defeating the Blues by 27 points.

In that match Bryce Gibbs had 26 touches and Chris Judd kicked four goals. For the Tigers, Brandon Ellis had 26 disposals, while Miles and Edwards kicked three goals each.

Richmond’s former captain and experienced defender, Chris Newman, says this Friday night against the Blues will be “another big test” on a big stage.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge this week. Carlton have played some really good football over the past month and they’re up and about so we have to be playing our best,” Newman said.

In their history, which dates back to 1908, the two teams have played 214 times. Carlton holds the ledger 125 wins to 87 – including two draws.

During the week Carlton coach John Barker said he’s solely focused on halting a “rampaging Richmond” and has plans for Jack Riewoldt no matter where he plays in the forward line.

“He (Riewoldt) might stay closer to goal but we’ll plan for all those permutations – we’ll plan for him playing high or low, we’ll plan for them playing another tall or two talls,” Barker said.

Bryce Gibbs returns to the Blues line-up after serving his two-match ban for a rough conduct charge against Port Adelaide’s Robbie Gray in Round 12.

The Blues also regain experienced midfielder Andrew Carrazzo and excitement machine Troy Menzel. Carlton’s big-kicking rookie Tom Fields will also make his AFL debut. Fields was recruited to Carlton in last year's rookie draft after a stint playing for South Adelaide in the SANFL. The 22-year-old Queenslander is the son of former Essendon and Sydney player Neville Fields.

The Tigers, who are coming off a hard-fought win against GWS, will be without ruckman Ivan Maric, after he accepted a one-match ban for striking Jack Steele at the MCG last Saturday. Former Blue Sean Hampson will replace Maric and battle it out in the ruck against his old teammates.

The last time Richmond played Carlton in Round 15 at the MCG was back in 2011. Blues fans will be hoping for a similar performance as Carlton walked away big winners, smashing the Tigers by 103 points!

Carlton takes on Richmond tonight at the MCG with the match kicking off at 7.50 AEST.