Ankle surgery cut short O'Loughlin's 2008 campaign after 16 games and 36 goals, and he vowed to make an immediate impact against the Tigers.
"I don't want to be coming in and taking a couple of weeks to find my feet," he said before training at the SCG on Wednesday.
"There will be times, obviously, where I'll be blowing, but I want to come back and basically make an impact."
O'Loughlin will be joined up forward by Barry Hall in a major boost for the Swans' attack.
The star duo only managed seven games in the same team in 2008 and O'Loughlin hoped they would add some much-needed structure to the Swans' forward line.
"It's been interesting, me and the big man. He's itching to get back as well. Hopefully it's a great day and we get a big crowd," he said.
"The way we've played over the last couple of weeks has been up and down, so with him and myself back, hopefully we can provide that target up forward … kick some goals and bring some other guys into the play."
With two reserves games under his belt, the 32-year-old said his ankle was ready to withstand the pressures of an AFL match, although he conceded he was unlikely to play the full game against Richmond.
O'Loughlin's brief stint with the Swans' seconds marked his first reserves games for competition points since 1995 – his first season with the club.
"I think one of the guys said he was four or five when I made my debut and then to play alongside him made me feel very old," he said.
"It was just great to get back amongst it – the cars around the ovals, all the locals back in Canberra, they were fantastic. You can hear everything they say and there were a couple of choice words coming from the grandstand.
"It was great to play with the young guys and watch their preparation and maybe pass a few things on to them.
"Overall, it was a good experience and one that I haven't had for a long, long time. But I'm glad to be back in the firsts' side, that's for sure."
Now in his 15th season as an AFL player, O'Loughlin said he was yet to consider his future in the game past this year.
"I've just been thinking about the ankle and getting back and playing," he said.
"Last year was an okay year for me, apart from injuring the ankle. Those games I did play, I thought I had an impact, so if I can keep doing that, I'll probably go another year. I'd like to, but it's too far away at this stage."
