The reigning premiers in Richmond has overcome a newly invigorated Carlton outfit, winning the 2018 season opener by 26 points in front of 90,151 supporters.
Despite a final quarter blowout from the Tigers, the Blues remained firmly in the contest for three quarters, and had the better of their opposition for a substantial period of the first half.
It was a historic night for Richmond, as the club unfurled their first premiership flag in 37 years to their supporters.
But the ceremonies were but short after the opening siren, with the Blues catching everyone - especially the Tigers - by surprise in what was a fast start to the match.
The Blues' newfound vigour and flair caught Richmond off-guard early, as an inspired Blues outfit piled on the first five goals within the first 11 minutes of play.
The likes of Patrick Cripps and Marc Murphy got on top of the midfield early, with young gun Charlie Curnow reaping the rewards with two first quarter goals.
Shocked by their opposition's fast start, Richmond eventually hit their straps in the latter half of the first term, with their frenetic pressure resulting in four consecutive goals to cut the margin back to nine points at the first change.
Having responded to the challenge of their young opposition the Tigers were expected to get on top in the second.
But Brendan Bolton’s men dug deep and continued their assault at the reigning champs, restoring their lead for the remainder of the half as they exchanged goals for the entire quarter.
The pressure valve was well and truly turned up in the second term as both teams constantly harrowed the other through their speed and aggression, making it hard for both teams to generate much clean play.
Patrick Cripps was the star of the half for Carlton, who by this point had racked up 22 disposals - of which 15 were contested - and proving to be a beast around the contest.
Cripps ended the match with 36 disposals (25 contested), once again affirming his status as one of the game's upcoming elites.
Veteran Kade Simpson was also excellent setting up his side from the defensive half and pulling the Blues out of high-pressure situations.
The only sour note for the Blues' second term came in the form of an ankle injury to Matthew Kennedy, who watched the remainder of the game from the sidelines.
Determined not to let the underdogs get the better of them, Richmond came out with a fiery start in the third quarter, with Josh Caddy converting within the opening minute to give the reigning premiers their first lead of the night.
The initial lead would be short-lived however, as some magic from Curnow restored the Blues' buffer - the projected ladder-dwellers simply refusing to go away.
Seven lead changes in the third quarter alone showed just how tight the contest was, and how any breakaway could be costly.
With every player on the ground crucial to Carlton's success, a groin issue to Matthew Kruezer saw him sit out most of the term, leaving Levi Casboult the reins to the ruck.
Kruezer later appeared in the final term, but appeared ginger and played most of the quarter in the forward line.
Although Richmond appeared to get on top in the term, missed opportunities up forward and several 50 metre penalties going in favour of the Blues saw them only take a four-point lead going into the final change.
With the first match of the season well and truly up for grabs, the reigning premiers were expected to respond in the last with unmatched ferocity.
And that they did.
As the intensity stepped up in the last term, Richmond were able to show off their premiership pedigree as they managed to finally shake off the gallant Blues with a six goal quarter opposed to Carlton's three.
In what was an irresistible period of footy, the Tigers outworked and outclassed their young opponents, Dustin Martin took over through the midfield as Jacob Townsend became the hero up forward with consecutive goals.
A long goal by Matthew Wright left the door slightly ajar for a miracle Carlton victory as the Blues continued to fight.
But Josh Caddy and Jack Riewoldt put the finishing touches on what was a successful start to their premiership defence with a 26-point win.
The Tigers will face the vengeful Adelaide next week in the Grand Final rematch, while the Blues will be set on obtaining their first win of the season against the Gold Coast.
RICHMOND 4.4 6.11 11.14 17.19 (121)
CARLTON 6.1 8.3 12.4 15.5 (95)
GOALS
Richmond: Townsend 4, Riewoldt 4, Butler 3, Caddy 3, Castagna 2, Martin
Carlton: Curnow 5, Wright 5, Garlett 2, Fisher, Casboult, Petrevski-Seton
BEST
Richmond: Martin, Riewoldt, Townsend, Caddy
Carlton: Cripps, Curnow, Wright, Simpson
INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Carlton: Kennedy (ankle), Kruezer (groin)
TALKING POINTS
1. THE BLUES SURPRISED EVERYONE, BUT RICHMOND'S DEPTH PLAYERS WERE THE DIFFERENCE
The Blues certainly got off to a flyer, booting five straight goals in the first quarter to give themselves a 29-point lead.
Carlton's speed, aggression and determination around the contests were highly commendable - especially following their lacklustre 2017 - but it wasn't enough to edge out the reigning premiers.
Not withstanding the likes of Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin producing excellent performances, it was Richmond’s bottom-end which finally allowed the reigning premiers to shake an intrepid Carlton outfit.
Jacob Townsend (four goals), Josh Caddy (three goals and 19 disposals), Dan Butler (three goals and seven tackles) and Jason Castagna (2 goals and 15 disposals) were all excellent for the Tigers and showed their wide range of attacking options.
2. INSIDE 50 COUNT A WORRYING SIGN FOR THE BLUES
Despite all the good signs shown by the young Carlton side, the lopsided inside 50 count is of concern to Brendan Bolton.
With the final statistic reading 71-47 inside 50s in favour of the Tigers, Richmond’s forward pressure proved to be too much as Carlton struggled to move the ball quickly out of their defensive half, which ultimate resulted in repeat Richmond entries.
Let off the hook due to Richmond’s inaccuracy in front of goal, Carlton must improve their ball use and speed out of the back half, as well as lock the ball inside 50 when they get it there.
3. DUSTY HAS PICKED UP FROM WHERE HE LEFT OFF IN 2017
It was business as usual for the reigning Brownlow medallist, as Dustin Martin racked up classy 32 disposals and a goal.
With the game in the balance for the majority the night, Martin proved to be the difference in the last quarter with the Blues unable to land a glove on him.
Booting one goal and setting up numerous opportunities for his teammates, Dusty's use of the ball and decision-making was first class as Carlton had no answer for the Richmond superstar.
4. CURNOW AND WRIGHT HAVE REVITALISED THE CARLTON FORWARD LINE
With their attack a major problem over the past three seasons, Blues' fans would be encouraged by two five-goal performances by journeyman Matthew Wright and young star Charlie Curnow.
Finishing in the bottom- two for points scored in the past three seasons with an average of less than 70 points a game, the ten goals between the two will be promising for the Blues moving forward.
Almost cracking 100 points for the first time in over 30 games - especially against the reigning premiers - was definitely a big step forward for the young team.
5. UMPIRES STRINGENT WITH 50M PENALTIES
Had the Blues got the wood over the Tigers, there would no doubt be an uproar among the Richmond faithful over the amount of 50m penalties awarded to Carlton for infringements into the protected zone.
With Carlton kicking five goals from their six 50m penalties, there certainly was reason for the Tigers to be up in arms, especially given the tight nature of the calls.
Yet the umpires were consistent throughout the night, with Damien Hardwick saying post-match he wasn't fazed by their decisions, so long as they remain consistent.
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