Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin has been ruled out of the AFL season-opener against Carlton due to a bout of gastro.

Despite missing training on Wednesday, the triple premiership captain was initially named in a near-full strength team to take on the Blues at the MCG.

But the club decided not to take any undue risks and he was withdrawn from the 22 on Thursday afternoon.

Either Marlion Pickett or Jack Ross will likely come into the Tigers team for Thursday night’s clash.

Cotchin and rebounding defender Bachar Houli (calf) are the only members of the Richmond outfit which won the 2020 flag against Geelong to be enforced absentees against Carlton.

More to come