Richmond have survived a late scare from a determined Carlton, edging the Blues by 26 points in a scrappy AFL contest.
The Tigers were slow out of the gates and wasteful in front of goal but lifted late in Sunday’s game to post an 11.18 (84) to 8.10 (58) win at the MCG.
It was far from pretty but after a weekend of knife-edge finishes, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick would be relieved with the final result.
The Tigers dominated the inside-50 count and held the lead from early in the second quarter onwards but struggled to put the Blues away.
It was a game of contrasting styles, with Richmond rebounding strongly from their defensive half and Carlton controlling the battle in the air with their intercept marking.
Up by 13 points at three-quarter time, Richmond extended their lead through goals to Dan Butler and Jack Riewoldt.
The Blues answered back through young bull Patrick Cripps, who outmarked Dustin Martin and slotted a classy goal to give his side hope.
But the Blues ran out of steam, and the result was put beyond doubt when Levi Casboult gave away a 50-metre penalty, leading to an easy Toby Nankervis set shot goal.
Bachar Houli was outstanding for the Tigers but faces suspension after being reported for a crude swinging arm to Carlton’s Jed Lamb which left the youngster dazed.
Lamb was helped to the rooms after the first-quarter incident and did not return to the game.
It soured a strong game from Houli, who constantly set up the Tigers’ offensive chains with his silky ball use.
Richmond superstar Martin was tagged by Carlton youngster Ed Curnow and didn’t have his usual influence for most of the first half.
But much like his side, Martin shook off his quiet start and went on to finish with 30 disposals, seven inside-50s and six clearances.
Riewoldt booted three goals, while Shaun Grigg and Kane Lambert were both prolific ball-winners for the Tigers.
Cripps was a clear standout for Carlton with 17 contested possessions and 10 clearances, alongside Sam Docherty (28 disposals, 11 marks).
bobburra
Guest
I believe they have tried the clean-out off field, in Administration anyway. By off the field I assume you are referring to the coaching dept. which I do not have an issue with. When one compares the coaching records of say, Eade, Lyon & Hardwick one would think that Hardwick has been the least "successfull".
Kane
Guest
I didn't get to see the game but by all reports our Blue boy's were pretty ordinary which is what is going to happen to a young developing side. Richmond on the other hand are 10 years into a 5 year rebuild and i believe that until they have a good cleanout on and off the field like Carlton did then they will keep teasing their supporters.
bobburra
Guest
With regard to where these two teams are at, if Carlton are as poor as some people suggest then on today's performance Richmond are still the same old, same old, promise a lot & deliver little. If one the hand Richmond ARE a genuine, go deep in the finals contender,Carlton are surely going about it the way. Yes, there would a couple that will not make the grade & be culled in due course, as happens with every club, While Carlton are trying to put together a team for the future, I, like a lot of other people, just do not know where the Tigers actually sit. Obviously only time will tell. An interesting time ahead to see how it all unfolds.
Darren
Guest
Yep Charlie is a good one. Not too fussed about Rising Stars - hopefully he becomes a star.
Macca
Guest
Darren - agree with that, I would say losing lamb on top of missing Cuningham and Fisher really hurt our ability to put on forward pressure and with out that our system suffers. Loved Charlie Curnow today though, he will be a rising star nominee at some stage this yeat
Darren
Guest
Blues lack of depth showed as replacements were a fair way off for skill and intensity. Pickett worth persisting with despite errors but Graham, Smedts and Boekhurst off the pace. Not a great effort today but at least the defensive structures are holding up. Tigers need another tall forward or it will be a quick exit in September.