Richmond captain Chris Newman says the Tigers must avoid another nightmare AFL season start against Carlton.

Thrashed by the Blues in front of huge MCG crowds in the past two AFL season-openers, Newman said they could not afford a repeat.

"Absolutely, we know that we've been very disappointing on the last two occasions," he said.

"They've both been really big build-ups and hopefully this year we can go in with some confidence.

"It's really important, I think, for every AFL club.

"To start off 1-0 gives you a little bit of a breather and really can set you up for the season."

The signs are not promising for the Tigers ahead of Thursday night's clash.

They were belted by 68 points by Adelaide in their final practice match, conceding seven last-quarter goals, which coach Damien Hardwick labelled "soul-destroying".

"We've sat back and tried to right a few wrongs and hopefully we can get it right for round one," Newman said.

He acknowledged the Tigers had struggled in the final weeks of the pre-season to work their way out of defence through opponents' zones.

But he said with two of their most experienced backmen - himself and Brett Deledio - having had limited pre-seasons, that should improve as they gained match fitness.

Newman was also confident the Tigers could produce better support acts for Coleman Medallist Jack Riewoldt, after he kicked a third of their goals last season.

Young big man Tyrone Vickery has shown pre-season promise in attack, although another youngster earmarked for a key forward post, Ben Griffiths, is still working his way back from shoulder surgery.

Ex-Melbourne mature-aged rookie Brad Miller, initially recruited as a back-up option, is likely to play against the Blues, after being elevated to the primary list.

"He's definitely in the mix and he's really impressed us over the summer so I don't see why not," Newman said.

"It's just a credit to himself.

"He's come into the club under really tough circumstances for an older guy to come across and try to reestablish himself in the AFL.

"It was a huge task for him and he's done that."

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