Richmond held off a fast-finishing Carlton to win by five points in a Thursday night opening round thriller at the MCG last night.
The Tigers were able to match the unbelievable hype that followed their every move in the week leading up the blockbuster to take a 42-point lead midway through the third term.
But, the energy expended to build the lead eventually caught up with the Tigers, their weary bodies struggling to keep up with a late barrage of attack from the never-say-die Blues.
Blues livewire Chris Yarran had two late chances that would have put the Blues in front deep into time-on in the last quarter, but missed a snap out of a pack and a shot on the run.
After failing to live up to the expectations in this annual round one clash on numerous occasions, the Tigers finally got the scalp they had yearned.
”I had faith in the boys that they’d come about with the desired result,” Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said after the game.
”For us to come away with a win tonight was a really good result for our footy club. We’ve got a long way to go and we understand that, but we haven’t won a round one encounter since I’ve been here.”
The night did not start the best for the Tigers. They took a while to settle and they found themselves three goals in arrears before Brett Deledio slotted a highlight reel goal on the run from outside 50 for the Tigers first.
Deledio’s major seemed to spark the Tigers to life. Once they took the lead early in the second term, they would not relinquish it. They had winners everywhere you looked from the 20-minute mark of the first term to late in the third.
A seven goals to one in the second quarter saw the Tigers head into half time with a 38-point advantage. From there, it was always going to be difficult for the Blues.
Particularly with Trent Cotchin in superb touch in his game as Tigers captain. So often, the 22 year old burrowed under the packs and extricated himself from a sea of bodies to emerge with the football and get the ball moving forward for his side. He finished with 22 kicks, 11 handballs and seven clearances in a display which suggests he is edging closer to that elite bracket of midfielders. Though it is arguable he is already there.
Tyrone Vickery was an unlikely first half hero. He had to be the focal point with Jack Riewoldt down on his usual goals output. Hardwick praised Riewoldt’s ability to drag the Blues defenders away from the play and although the Tasmanian was goal-less, it was one of his most selfless games.
”He played a pretty significant role though Jack tonight by dragging a couple of their defenders up the ground,” Hardwick said. ”I thought he was outstanding. It allowed Ty and Luke McGuane to get down deep, which was great. I think it’s one of the best games he’s played for 12 months. Team-first footy, we can be really harsh on him at times, but he as outstanding tonight.”
Vickery slotted 3.1, presented an aerial marking option and threw his weight around. He ran into one contest at full steam, collected the unsuspecting Mitch Robinson in an accidental clash and was immediately subbed out of the game as a result of the impact. It is this hard, but fair, attack from Vickery that would excite Tigers fans.
”Ever since he went down last year, we knew how important he was to our side,” Hardwick said. ”He moves well for a big man, he’s only 22 years of age and he’s going to get better. He’s going to be a long-term player for us. He’s a tough kid, he plays the game hard, he’s competitive, it was good to see that come out in his game. He played a great game tonight.”
Brett Deledio showcased his lethal right boot with two crucial running goals and was one of the Tigers best. Shaun Grigg had a pearler of a game against his old club, Shane Tuck and Daniel Jackson were able to win the ball in traffic, and Reece Conca took a step forward in his development.
This was not a game for pointing out individuals for the Tigers. It was all about their attitude, willingness to help out a teammate, attention to detail and desire to do whatever it takes to win. They served up football that Hardwick could be proud of.
Same could not be said for Carlton. The Blues plastered over the cracks with their late game comeback. Players barely gave a yelp before half-time, but suddenly lifted a few cogs in the second half. Unfortunately for new coach Mick Malthouse, they dug a hole for themselves in the opening hour.
Chris Judd did everything in his powers to try to will the Blues over the line. Bryce Gibbs was at his best at the pointy end of the game, finishing with 34 possessions, while Matthew Kreuzer and Kade Simpson were two of the most consistent Blues on the night.
Shaun Hampson threatened to be the unsung hero for the Blues. He was a commanding presence in attack with eight marks, including a game-high four contested, but a return of 1.2 let him down.
The Blues will need to re-group for a clash with arch rivals Collingwood in round two, while Richmond will face St Kilda in another significant test. Both games will be at the home of football, the MCG.
AFL 2013
Round 1
Carlton 14.17 (101) lt Richmond 14.22 (106)
Goals – Carlton: Gibbs 2, Judd 2, Betts 2, Murphy 2, Kreuzer 2, Garlett 2, Yarran, Hampson. Richmond: Deledio 3, Vickery 3, McGuane 2, King 2, Jackson, Martin, Conca, Houli.
Best – Carlton: Judd, Kreuzer, Gibbs, Simpson, Armfield. Richmond: Cotchin, Vickery, Maric, Deledio, Tuck.
