Richmond defender David Astbury had mixed emotions in the rooms after the team’s come-from-behind victory over Carlton in the 2016 season-opener at the MCG on Thursday night.

The Tigers trailed by nine points at three-quarter time, but through some inspired efforts from Kane Lambert and Sam Lloyd in the final term, they emerged with a nine-point win.

“To Carlton’s credit, they really brought the heat through the middle of the ground,”Astbury said.

“Particularly, it was noted throughout the midfield that we probably need to be a little bit more competitive through there.

“But all three lines – forwards, mids and backs – we have to improve.

“It’s a bit of a mixed feeling at the moment.  We see the areas we can improve in, and we’re looking forward to getting to work and addressing them.”

Astbury was a valuable contributor across the backline for the Tigers in Thursday night’s match, finishing with 16 disposals and seven marks, including a game-high five intercept marks.

“I think I was probably in a similar vain to the rest of the group as a whole,” he said of his performance.

“I did some good things, I turned the ball over a couple of times, which might have cost us, but at the end of the day we got the win and it doesn’t really matter how many touches I got.”

Astbury was impressed with the performances of some of the Tigers’ young players, including debutant Daniel Rioli, Connor Menadue and Corey Ellis.

“Sometimes on a really big stage, Round 1 v Carlton, they can sort of go back into their shell a little bit,” he said.

“I thought those guys showed some really impressive traits, and it's really good for them and their families that they got to showcase it on the big stage.”