Impatient Richmond coach Damien Hardwick expects boom recruits Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto to fire straight away in the AFL season-opening blockbuster against Carlton.
The former GWS midfielders will be the only new faces for the Tigers at the MCG on Thursday night, with Hardwick ruling out a Tylar Young debut despite the absence of regular defenders Robbie Tarrant (hip) and Josh Gibcus (hamstring).
Flag stars Dion Prestia (pectoral), Jayden Short (calf), Jack Graham (toe) and Marlion Pickett (adductor) have all overcome injuries to book their spots alongside Hopper and Taranto, who have developed chemistry within a new-look Richmond midfield brigade over summer.
