Australian Football

Match Report

Richmond and Carlton couldn't have had more contrasting pre-seasons. The Tigers were full of expectation heading into their round one match after some impressive performances, which included a 59-point thrashing of reigning premier Geelong. While the Blues went through the NAB Cup winless, despite being widely tipped to secure a top-four finish in 2012. But as is so often the case, pre-season form went completely out the window and Richmond fans walked away from another season-opening clash bitterly disappointed. Although it was much closer than the 44-point margin suggests. The Tigers held a two-point lead heading into the quarter-time break but Carlton's midfield class combined with a shaky Richmond backline contributed to the Blues getting well on top. Marc Murphy, coming off a career best season in 2011, was simply brilliant, while Matthew Kreuzer was back on top of his game after returning from a serious knee injury late last year. The Blues looked to be headed for a huge win when they were 32 points ahead halfway through the third quarter, but to Richmond's credit they got back to within a goal early in the last. But thanks to some Chris Yarran magic, the Blues fought off the gallant comeback. It was only the second game of the 2012, but Yarran made a strong early bid for Goal of the Year. The 21-year-old defender was blocked in on the boundary line outside of 50, when he shrugged off attempted tackles from Tigers Ivan Maric and Brandon Ellis, and then drilled a spectacular running goal. Replays suggest the ball may have crossed the line, but it was still one of the best goals one could ask to see.

GOALS
Carlton: Hampson 3; Betts, Armfield, Yarran, Lucas 2; Waite, Simpson, Garlett, Thornton, Kreuzer, Murphy, Robinson. Richmond: Riewoldt 4; Grigg, Martin, Cotchin 2; Vickery, Nahas.

BEST PLAYERS - AFL.COM.AU

Carlton: Murphy, Carrazzo, Simpson, Curnow, Scotland, Judd, Kreuzer. Richmond: Cotchin, Martin, Foley, Houli, Rance.

BEST PLAYERS - HERALD SUN
Carlton: Kreuzer, Simpson, Carrazzo, Murphy, Gibbs, Yarran, Henderson.
 Richmond: Cotchin, Martin, Foley, Rance, Jackson.

COACHES COMMENTS
Damien Hardwick (Rich): The great thing about it is we had three solid contributors over the course of the game and yet we got within seven points at the death knock. There's a lot of upside.
Brett Ratten (Carl): This is what we play for - the four points. As a team, we want to have the ambition to try and make the top four. We want to lift the bar from last year, so it was really important for us to really set the scene early this year and get off to a good start.

Umpires: Donlon, Farmer, Meredith

Official crowd: 78,285 at MCG