CARLTON used a combination of class and composure to surge clear of Richmond and win their opening-round clash at the MCG by 44 points on Thursday night.
The Blues led by as many as 32 points midway through the third quarter before Richmond stormed back with five straight goals, but Carlton steadied to run out 18.17 (125) to 12.9 (81) winners for their eighth consecutive victory over the Tigers.
The Blues looked to be in trouble when Richmond had the momentum heading into the final quarter, and their indifferent pre-season seemed about to bring them undone.
But they took control in the final term, casting doubt on whether the Tigers have the polish to challenge for the top eight.
Richmond’s fight evaporated when Carlton defender Chris Yarran delivered a piece of magic 10 minutes into the term.
Receiving a handball on the left-forward flank, he hugged the boundary line, shrugged off attempted tackles from new Tigers Ivan Maric and Brandon Ellis, and then threaded a running shot at goal to create an 18-point buffer.
Replays suggesting the ball might have crossed the line did not detract from the goal's brilliance.
The Blues overcame the absence of defenders Michael Jamison and Nick Duigan to keep the Tigers’ key forwards at bay.
Jack Riewoldt ended up with four goals, but his tally did a disservice to opponent Lachie Henderson, who played a tight, spoiling game.
Riewoldt spent most of the night around centre half-forward, with the Tigers looking most threatening when Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin alternated out of the goalsquare in the third quarter.
The Blues clearly won the midfield battle, Andrew Carrazzo setting the tone with his attack on the ball.
Marc Murphy started slowly before powering into the game after half-time. His ability to set up a passage of play as well as provide a classy link-up was instrumental in the Blues' win.
The unheralded Ed Curnow was busy, while Kade Simpson was one of the few players on the ground to play well from start to finish.
Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer was among the best on ground, and gave Richmond big man Maric a headache in his first game in the yellow and black.
Richmond debutants Ellis and Steven Morris were quiet in a game that was played at great intensity, featuring contest after contest.
Ultimately, the Blues' greater ability to dispose to advantage under pressure stood them in good stead.
The news wasn’t all good for the Blues, with forward Jarrad Waite reported in the opening minutes of the match after contact with Richmond’s Dylan Grimes.
Carlton 3.2 8.7 11.13 18.17 (125)
Richmond 3.4 5.6 10.7 12.9 (81)
GOALS
Carlton: Hampson 3, Betts 2, Armfield 2, Yarran 2, Lucas 2, Waite, Simpson, Garlett, Thornton, Kreuzer, Murphy, Robinson
Richmond: Riewoldt 4, Grigg 2, Martin 2, Cotchin 2, Vickery, Nahas
BEST
Carlton: Murphy, Carrazzo, Simpson, Curnow, Scotland, Judd, Kreuzer
Richmond: Cotchin, Martin, Foley, Houli, Rance
INJURIES
Carlton: Nil
Richmond: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Carlton: Jordan Russell replaced by Kane Lucas in the final quarter.
Richmond: Shane Tuck replaced by Reece Conca in the third quarter.
Reports: Jarrad Waite (Carlton) for rough conduct on Dylan Grimes (Richmond) in the first quarter.
Umpires: Donlon, Farmer, Meredith
Official crowd: 78,285 at MCG
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
