Richmond held off a spirited Carlton to win the traditional season opener by 33 points at the MCG.
A two-goal first quarter from prized recruit Tom Lynch helped the Tigers burst out of the blocks and open up a 33-point buffer at the first break.
Brendon Bolton’s men chipped away at the margin to get within 13 points at the final change.
The experience and know-how of Damien Hardwick’s side helped them secure the win that was soured by a suspected knee injury to star defender Alex Rance.
Here’s everything you need to know!
The Talking Point
Richmond star Alex Rance suffered a suspected knee injury after landing awkwardly in an aerial duel.
The five-time All-Australian immediately clutched his right knee and was helped from the ground in the arms of the trainers.
In his 200th game for the Tigers, Rance was taken down to the rooms for further assessment and took no further part in the match.
Alex Rance has been helped from the ground and is receiving treatment in the rooms.#AFLBluesTigers pic.twitter.com/lZPElxc6W2
— AFL (@AFL) March 21, 2019
The moment
Two minutes and 44 seconds.
That’s how long it took Tom Lynch to kick his first major for Richmond in his debut outing for the club.
The forward plucked a pack mark in the early stages of the season opener against Carlton, before going back and slotting the goal.
Lynch’s teammates mobbed him in celebration to give the Tigers the perfect start against the Blues at the MCG.
He would later add a second as Damien Hardwick's side dominated the opening term.
Action-packed first term, as we take the lead to the opening change.
— Richmond FC 🐯 (@Richmond_FC) March 21, 2019
QT - Richmond 5.4 (34) to Carlton 0.1 (1)#AFLBluesTigers #gotiges pic.twitter.com/9KrWZrxqZ4
Expert says
Carlton defender Liam Jones was involved in an off-the-ball incident with Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt.
Jones appeared to place a body check on the Tigers star that left him on his haunches in the hands of the trainers.
Riewoldt recovered from the hit and played out the remainder of the second quarter.
A big 'body check' from Liam Jones has Jack Riewoldt down for a good minute.
— AFL Nation (@AFLNation) March 21, 2019
"When you're 30 metres off the ball, you can't have somebody bumping you like that, even if it's not head high" - Nick Riewoldt.#AFLBluesTigers
SEN footy expert Nick Riewoldt described the bump as a “weak act”.
“I don’t like that,” the Saints great told AFL Nation.
“He’s just running through the middle of the ground watching the play not expecting contact – there’s a duty of care there.
“When you’re 30 metres off the ball and you’re running in a certain direction, you can’t expect someone to come across and hip and shoulder you, even if it’s not high.
“That’s just a weak act.”
What’s next?
Richmond take on Collingwood in a blockbuster clash at the MCG next Friday night. The Tigers will look to get one over the Magpies after last year’s preliminary final defeat.
Carlton will look to bounce back against Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval next Saturday in a twlight fixture.
Full Score
Carlton: 0.1, 4.4, 8.8, 9.10.64
Richmond: 5.4, 7.8, 10.9, 14.13.97
GOALS
Carlton: McKay 2, Fasolo, Thomas, McGovern, Fisher, Curnow, Murphy, Newman
Richmond: Higgins 3, Lynch 3, Nankervis 3, McIntosh, Balta, Riewoldt, Butler, Weller
BEST
Carlton: Cripps, Newman, Simpson, Thomas, Murphy, Walsh
Richmond: Cotchin, Martin, Higgins, Nankervis, Lambert, Houli, Graham
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Alex Rance (knee)
