Richmond has survived a second-half comeback by Carlton to win their first game of the season, by 12 points, in front of 62,000 fans at the MCG.
The Tigers started the first term full of running, kicking the first four goals of the game, and held sway for most of the first half, taking a 31-point into the main break.
However, Carlton turned the tide in the second half, and drew level in the final term, before Richmond found something in the dying minutes. Goals to Ty Vickery and Dustin Martin sealed the game.
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Brandon Ellis put a tight tag on Bryce Gibbs, and worked just as hard offensively, picking up 18 disposals at 83% efficiency and kicking two outstanding goals from outside 50 on tight angles.
Brett Deledio had ten disposals in the first quarter until Andrejs Everitt was moved to run with him for the rest of the game. Deledio finished with 19 disposals, seven clearances and a long goal from outside 50 in the opening term.
Matt Thomas was the leader in the midfield all game, especially late. He finished with 21 disposals, four clearances and 11 crucial tackles in a tight game.
Trent Cotchin battled a tight Ed Curnow tag, but he led the Tigers’ disposal count with 25 touches (17 in the first half), nine clearances a goal.
The Tigers’ forward line came under heat during the week, but Tyrone Vickery delivered, kicking four goals (including the game-winner), and taking three marks inside-50 (two contested).
David Astbury was the standout in defence for the Tigers, keeping Jarrad Waite to one goal, but he also gave good drive out of defence, taking ten marks and rebounding out of the defensive 50 five times.
Ben Griffiths continued his improvement, taking two crucial marks in defence late, and he finished 11 disposals, seven marks (four contested), seven hitouts, five tackles, and a goal.
Shane Edwards (21 disposals), Ricky Petterd (24 disposals), Dustin Martin (21 disposals and two goals), Shaun Hampson (14 disposals and 26 hitouts), Shaun Grigg (22 disposals, six running bounces and six inside-50s) and Nick Vlastuin (19 disposals) were also instrumental in the victory.
The Tigers will meet the Western Bulldogs next Saturday afternoon at Etihad Stadium.
RICHMOND 6.3 10.6 12.12 14.14 (98)
CARLTON 2.4 5.5 9.7 12.14 (86)
GOALS
Richmond: Vickery 4, Ellis 2, Martin 2, S. Edwards, Cotchin, Deledio, Griffiths, Riewoldt, King
Carlton: Yarran 3, Everitt 2, Menzel 2, Bell, Simpson, Waite, Garlett, Gibbs
BEST
Richmond: Ellis, Petterd, Thomas, Vickery, Cotchin, Hampson, Newman
Carlton: Yarran, Simpson, Jamison, Curnow, Waite, Thomas
INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Carlton: Matthew Kreuzer (foot) replaced in selected side by Dylan Buckley, Matthew Watson (ankle) replaced in selected side by Sam Rowe
SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Jake King replaced by Nathan Foley in the third quarter
Carlton: Brock McLean replaced by Kane Lucas in the third quarter
Reports: Dustin Martin (Richmond) reported in the second quarter for striking Simon White (Carlton)
Umpires: Stevic, Stewart, Leppard
Official crowd: 62,037 at the MCG
