Richmond have defeated fierce rivals Carlton by 27 points in round one of the AFL season.

The Tigers recovered from a 23-point deficit early in the second term on Thursday night at the MCG, winning 15.15 (105) to 11.12 (78) in front of more than 83,000 fans.

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse will be forced to eat his words.

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At the team’s season launch, the veteran coach (in his 31st season at a club’s helm) said he couldn’t see where the Blues might lose this year.

The match exploded in the very first minute, with Carlton star Dale Thomas rushed off after suffering a dislocated shoulder and Richmond’s Brett Deledio reported for high contact.

Mick Malthouse’s provocative boast backfires in very first game. Photo: AAP

A few seconds later, ex-Western Bulldogs forward and Carlton recruit Liam Jones kicked the first goal of the season.

Down in the rooms, the Carlton club doctor was able to put Thomas’ shoulder back in place immediately.

The injury prone star will have scans on Friday to determine the extent of the damage.

Deledio is almost certain to be suspended after he came off the centre square at the opening bounce and caught Simon White high with a bump.

It was an impressive AFL debut for defender Kamdyn McIntosh, who was arguably best afield for Richmond with 23 possessions.

Tigers key forward Jack Riewoldt kicked four goals, pointing to the sky after the first two.

That was for his cousin Madeleine, the sister of St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt, who died in February after a long illness.

Sam Lloyd also kicked four and former Geelong midfielder Taylor Hunt impressed in his first game for the Tigers.

One big win for Carlton was Simon White’s tag on Dustin Martin, who only had 13 possessions.

After two early exits from successive finals campaigns, the Tigers will be hoping the win is a good omen for the rest of the season.

Carlton and Richmond have long been bitter rivals, especially during the 1960s and 70s.

Since 2007, the two teams have been the round one fixture, drawing big crows.

Carlton is widely perceived to be undergoing a building year, with lower odds of making the finals.

—with AAP.

Mick Malthouse – “it’s very, very difficult to see where we’re going to lose a game.” – March 2015. #AFLBluesTigers

— Collingwood Army (@magpie_fans) April 2, 2015

Mick finally spots the loss. #AFLBluesTigers pic.twitter.com/q8WB8f2Pkp — Titus O’Reily (@TitusOReily) April 2, 2015

The footy is back and we couldn’t be happier! A sea of 83,493 people for #AFLBluesTigers at the G. pic.twitter.com/Urdfc6zM8H

— AFL (@AFL) April 2, 2015