The AFL season is finally back with a crowd of in excess of 80,000 expected when the Richmond Tigers take on the Carlton Blues at the MCG. Join The Roar for all the action from 7:20pm (AEDT).
Richmond’s final preseason hit out with Port Adelaide was marred by injuries with the Tigers wanting to raise the white flag and end the game before the final siren. Richmond’s other loss during the preseason was when they took a weakened side to Fremantle.
Conversely, the Tigers did beat an under-strength Hawthorn during the NAB challenge. Bachar Houli will go into Round 1 with a lot of confidence after having 34 possessions against Hawthorn and then 27 possessions against Port.
Richmond are battling a hefty injury lift, and Brett Deledio is one of the names missing with a quad strain – the Tigers’ record is poor when Deledio does not play. Reece Conca will miss seven weeks with a hamstring, Shaun Grigg is is missing with a fractured thumb and Ivan Maric is out with a back injury. That will leave the ruck duties to be shared by Shaun Hampson and Ty Vickery.
In addition, former Blue Chris Yarran will be missing with a foot injury. It has come to light that during the preseason he didn’t meet the fitness standards of his new club, and he is expected to be sidelined for six weeks.
In brighter news for the Tigers, Shane Edwards, who suffered a shoulder injury in the match against Port, is expected to play.
Carlton has had a large turnover of its list over the summer after a disastrous 2015. Tom Bell, Lachie Henderson, Troy Menzel, and Chris Yarran were traded during the offseason. They also have a new head coach in former Hawthorn senior assistant, Brendan Bolton.
Carlton did not register a win during the NAB Challenge but they were competitive against Hawthorn and Sydney. Their loss to Essendon looks terrible on paper but they fielded a very inexperienced side. Nick Graham looks set for a good year with 30 possession against Sydney and 24 against Essendon.
Carlton’s injury list is much smaller than that of the Tigers. They will be missing Dennis Armfield and new recruit Lachie Plowman who has a hip compliant. They will also be missing Dale Thomas for an indiscretion in the Sydney match which will see him return in Round 2.
Marc Murphy is playing despite sitting out the entire NAB Challenge. Murphy has been carefully managed after shoulder surgery in the offseason.
Carlton fans will be looking forward to seeing number one draft pick Jacob Weitering, who was very solid in his two pre-season hit outs. He, along with Sam Kerridge, look to be the pick of the new additions at Carlton.
Prediction
Despite their injury list the Tigers are the clear favourites, but know they need to get off to a strong start to the season to avoid playing in another elimination final.
Richmond by four goals.
Join The Roar from 7:20pm (AEDT) as we bring you all the action from this Round 1 match between these two traditional rivals.
Col from Brissie
Guest
Great effort Matthew. I would have given the 3 votes to Rance, 2 votes to Lambert and probably 1 vote to Cripps with 10 clearances. I think Rance was the four quarter player and probably the difference between the 2 teams.
Slane
Guest
Very good effort by Carlton, if they can get a decent forward they will play some good footy for the foreseeable.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Finally, a decent season opener - some desperate footy in that final five minutes of the game.
Matthew Walsh
Roar Guru
Votes 3 Votes - Kane Lambert (RIC). Huge last quarter, 28 possessions and 7 tackles. 2 Votes - Bryce Gibbs (CAR). Great return, was good all night, 30 possessions. 1 Votes - Marc Murphy (CAR). 27 Possessions. Was instrumental in their 3rd quarter charge. Thanks for joining us on the Roar. Have a great Easter.
Matthew Walsh
Roar Guru
Well if tonight is anything to go by, 2016 is going to be a great year. For Carlton fans there were positives to take away. Murphy and Gibbs were great after having injury issues last year. Weitering showed plenty of class during the game and is going to play a lot of games this year. Kerridge and Wright had good 1st games for the Blues. For Richmond, they got the 4 points so that is the main thing for the Tigers. However, they are going to need to improve if they want a Top 4 spot. Richmond were missing a few and Cotchin was down tonight
Macca
Guest
Maybe the blues are better than some expect?
Matthew Walsh
Roar Guru
Leading goal kickers Ty Vickery 3.2 M Wright 3.1
Matthew Walsh
Roar Guru
Perhaps too early to say Samantha. Richmond were missing quite a few tonight (Deledio, Grigg and Maric).
Matthew Walsh
Roar Guru
Kade Simpson won the possession count with 31 possessions. Gibbs with 30. Kane Lambert led Richmond possession count with 28.
Samantha
Roar Rookie
If this game is anything to go by don't believe the Tiger hype. Just another mid pack team. Still rely on too far stars to do all the work.
Macca
Guest
Didn't get the win but if that is indicative of how the blues play this year I will have an enjoyable year.
Macca
Guest
Yeah I'll keep him
Matthew Walsh
Roar Guru
GAME OVER Richmond win by 9 points in a great game. RICHMOND 14.8 92 CARLTON 12 11 83
Matthew Walsh
Roar Guru
CARLTON BEHIND Cripps gets out of trouble. Kick on goal touched by Grimes on the line. Great effort by Cripps 0;45 left RICHMOND 14.8 92 CARLTON 12 11 83
Matthew Walsh
Roar Guru
1;11 left. Richmond defending bravely.
Matthew Walsh
Roar Guru
CARLTON GOAL And they get it. Everitt kicks from set shot outside the arc. 2:42 left RICHMOND 14.8 92 CARLTON 12 10 82
Matthew Walsh
Roar Guru
Attendance just in excess of 75,000 Carlton need one urgently. 3:12 left
Matthew Walsh
Roar Guru
4:51 left.
Matthew Walsh
Roar Guru
RICHMOND GOAL That could be the game. The youngster Menadue kicks a goal on the run from 45m. RICHMOND 14.8 92 CARLTON 11 10 76
TomC
Roar Guru
Wow, Kerridge can probably feel 60,000 pairs of eyes on him right now.