Much-loved Tiger Matthew Richardson is pretty confident he will be able to keep the emotions in check during a lap of honour before Thursday night's AFL season opener against Carlton.

But, as was often the case with his goalkicking, it's no sure thing.

The champion forward had hoped to play on for an 18th and final season in 2010, only to realise late last year that the hamstring injury that ruined his final campaign was continuing to give him trouble.

As Richardson was denied the chance of a farewell game, the AFL's most popular player will say goodbye to his legion of fans before Thursday night's clash at the MCG, the scene of so many of his greatest triumphs in a career which included 800 goals in 282 games from 1993-2009.

"I'm sure I'll wish I was out there once the game starts and the ball is bounced - but there's no chance of that happening obviously," said Richardson, 35, who this year is combining media work and a marketing role at Richmond.

"I know my time is up and I'm just looking forward to watching all of these young guys run around.

"It's an exciting time for the club."

One of the traits that made Richardson so appealing to AFL fans of all persuasions during a celebrated 17-year career was the way he wore his heart on his sleeve.

Even so, he's pretty confident of keeping it together during the lap of honour before a crowd expected to number more than 70,000.

"You often see guys when they do these farewell things, they don't think they're going to get emotional, but once you get out there and all the fans are there you might get a bit overwhelmed," he said.

"I think I'll be alright, but we'll find out."

And he even expects to get a pretty good reception from the Carlton supporters.

"I'll find out on Thursday night," he said.

"The Blues are one of the old enemies so I'm sure there will be a few of them booing, but I think overall most of them will be pretty right."

Richmond have been widely expected to struggle in their first year AR (After Richo) but the man himself is optimistic of better times ahead under new coach Damien Hardwick.

"We know they're going to play young players, they're going to give these guys a real opportunity and that's very exciting, fans always like to see new players coming through," said Richardson.

"By all reports, there's some exciting talent there and the more games they get into them, the better.

"By the end of the year I'm pretty sure they'll be working pretty well under Damien."

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