Anyone's game here, in the season opener. Richmond's acquisitions of Hopper and Taranto in the off-season should boost their midfield, allowing Dusty more time forward. Coinciding with Cumberland being out for them, Walsh out for the Blues. Speaking of Dusty, he goals right off the bat, but the Blues reply instantly. Carlton's defense holding up well in the 1st though, in what ends up being a low scoring term, the Blues up 9. Riewoldt poor, De Koning impacting all over the field for Carlton playing ruck. M. Rioli goals from 50 and Bolton takes another hanger on the wing. A few whistles going the Blues way, Richmond managing just two goals by the half, Carlton up 14. Riewoldt finally takes a mark vs the weak defense assigned to him with so much opportunity and converts early in the 3rd. The Tigers quickly follow with two more and hit the lead, before Curnow kicks back to back goals. Balta keeps losing contact with McKay and lucky not to be punished for it, while up the other end Lynch is taking contested marks and converts one for Richmond, putting them up 5 heading to 3-quarter time. Docherty goals from like 60 and the Blues lead late. Riewoldt opts not to put his hands out in front for an uncontested mark and shot on goal, he also slows down and it's intercepted, squandering Richmond's chance of victory. Nankervis dominating late though, continuing to surge it forward for the Tigers. Lynch takes a contested mark in front of goal in the last minute and converts, the game resulting in a draw, heh. Richmond handily won the hit-outs and were +4 in clearances, the disposal pretty even, but the Tigers applying 15 more tackles. Richmond with 21 more inside 50's, but for just 2 more scoring shots. Lynch best afield, with 4 contested marks and 3 goals. D. Rioli 25 of 27 effective disposals, 5 inside 50's, 7 intercepts, 681 metres gained and an assist. Nankervis 14 disposals, 37 hit-outs, 5 clearances and 11 tackles. Hopper struggling in his first game for the Tigers, Taranto solid. For Carlton, McGovern 21 disposals, 3 contested marks, 9 intercepts and 542 metres gained.
3. (Rich) T. Lynch, 2. (Rich) D. Rioli, 1. (Carl) M. McGovern.
3. (Rich) T. Lynch, 2. (Rich) D. Rioli, 1. (Carl) M. McGovern.