The AFL season kicks off on Thursday evening when the Richmond Tigers take on Carlton at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The Tigers are currently 3.25A$ favourites to finish with the Wooden Spoon with Luxbet, while Sportsbet.com.au have Carlton on offer at 34.00 to actually win the Grand Final.

Ben Cousins has overcome a stomach complaint and will be on the interchange bench for the Tigers, while mature age rookie Graham Polak has been named as an emergency.

Dustin Martin, Mitch Farmer, Ben Nason and Relton Roberts will all be making their debuts for the Tigers on Thursday night.

Carlton are set to hand debuts to new signings Lachie Henderson and Brock McLean, while Robert Warnock is set to feature.

Defender Bret Thornton will notch up his 150th AFL game, while Andrew Carrazzo will take the role of acting captain in what will be his 100th match.

The last time these two met was in round 15 when Carlton ran out 109-89 at the MCG in July.

It is no surprise that Luxbet have opted to install Carlton as favourites for this game at 1.42, with the Tigers available at 2.90.

Betting on the winning margin during AFL games is very popular and Sportsbet.com.au have the Tigers on offer at 6.25 to run away with a 25 points or more victory, while Carlton are available at 2.30 for the same outcome.

If you fancy backing the Tigers to be ahead at half-time and to win the game then Luxbet have them available at 4.25, while the same outcome involving Carlton can be backed at 1.73.

A price of 8.50 is on offer for match favourites Carlton to be ahead at the break with Richmond coming back to win the game, while for the Tigers to be leading at half-time and Carlton winning the match, that can be backed at 6.75.

For more bets on Richmond Tigers v Carlton go to Luxbet.