Richmond has opened their premiership defence with a 24-point win over Carlton in front of an empty MCG.
It was a surreal night from start to finish in the first AFL game played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Richmond were in the mood early and looked set for a thumping win after piling on the first five goals, but the Blues fought back and pushed the Tigers right to the end.
David Teague’s side were left to rue their poor start as the reigning premiers ran out four goal winners.
Richmond extended their winning streak over Carlton to 10 matches.
Here’s everything you need to know!
The Talking Point: Tigers and Blues enter empty MCG
It’s a setting AFL fans will have to get used to.
Due to the coronavirus crisis, Richmond and Carlton ran out to an empty and eerie MCG for the 2020 season opener.
The theme songs for both clubs echoed inside the stadium with no banners, cheer squads or fans in attendance.
The AFL decided on Wednesday night that all matches will continue as scheduled behind closed doors.
Truly bizarre scenes at the MCG 😳 #AFLTigersBlues
— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) March 19, 2020
pic.twitter.com/yvgk7gRrDE
"The strangest opening night the game has ever known"
— AFL Nation (@AFLNation) March 19, 2020
- Gerard Whateley.
Tigers win by 24 points.#AFLTigersBlues
Medical Room: Key Blue on crutches, premiership Tiger concussed
Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer looks set for a stint on the sidelines.
Kreuzer injured his ankle during the first quarter having landed awkwardly on his left foot following a ruck contest.
The veteran Blue was seen on crutches in the rooms and took no further part in the match.
It’s another blow for Carlton with forward trio Harry McKay, Charlie Curnow and Eddie Betts all unavailable through injury.
Defender Nic Newman came off with a sore elbow during the second quarter but managed to complete the game.
Richmond put a line through concussed defender Nick Vlastuin after he sustained an elbow to the head during the third quarter.
Matthew Kreuzer has been helped off the field after landing awkwardly in this ruck contest. <ahref="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFLTigersBlues?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFLTigersBlues pic.twitter.com/LQMawLLX13
— AFL (@AFL) March 19, 2020
Kreuzer is done for the night. 😢#AFLTigersBlues pic.twitter.com/NNlMILBxEG
— 7AFL (@7AFL) March 19, 2020
What’s next?
Provided the season continues into Round 2, Richmond clash with Collingwood next Thursday night at the MCG. Carlton will look for a positive response against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium next Saturday.
Full Score
Richmond: 7.2 11.3, 14.5, 16.9.(105)
Carlton: 2.1, 3.5, 8.7, 12.9.(81)
GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt 3, Castagna 3, Bolton 3, Rioli 3, Edwards, Lambert, Martin, Prestia
Carlton: Martin 4, Cuningham 2, Casboult 2, Silvagni 2, McGovern, Newnes
BEST
Richmond: Prestia, Martin, Bolton, Rioli, Cotchin, Castagna
Carlton: Cripps, Martin, Docherty, Weitering, Murphy
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Kreuzer (ankle), Nick Vlastuin (concussion)
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