Richmond has ended speculation about whether it might win a match this AFL season, stunning Carlton by 13 points in their traditional round-one clash.
Blooding three first-round draftees — including top pick Sam Lalor — Richmond rallied from 41 points down 15 minutes into the second term to win 13.4 (82) to 9.15 (69) on Thursday night in front of 80,009 spectators at the MCG.
At the end of a see-sawing final term, Seth Campbell was on the end of a long kick and soccered through the match-winning goal, launching into a cartwheel in celebration.
Lalor impressed with two goals and fellow debutants Harry Armstrong and Luke Trainor also had a night they will not forget.
The stunning debut capped off a remarkable recovery for 18-year-old Lalor, who suffered a concussion and hairline fracture of his jaw in a match simulation against West Coast in mid-February.
“I didn’t think I would be here for round one, coming off a jaw (injury) not long ago,” Lalor told the Seven Network.
“So, it’s been pretty hard to get here but when I found out the news, I was pretty relaxed all week and even today I felt relaxed.
“As soon as I went out to the ground [I] soaked it all in, made the most of it.
“I just loved playing out there, it was electric. What a way to win.”
Sam Lalor (right) was among the Tigers’ best in his AFL debut against the Blues. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone)
The Blues had their chances late, spraying 1.6 in the last quarter, and the huge upset adds to question marks about their finals aspirations.
Tigers captain Toby Nankervis kicked two early goals when his side was struggling and led superbly, while Jack Ross, Tim Taranto and Jayden Short were outstanding.
Blues captain Patrick Cripps had 32 possessions despite a hard tag from Kamdyn McIntosh, who did well to at times blunt the Brownlow medallist’s influence.
After an even start, Carlton went on a four-goal run in the opening term and led by 27 points at the first break.
When Sam Walsh put Carlton nearly seven goals up midway through the second term, a long night loomed for the young Tigers.
Adding to the Tigers’ problems, key forward Tom Lynch caught Tom De Koning high with a bump early in the second term.
The Blues ruckman briefly left the field and the incident is sure to attract match review attention.
But immediately after Walsh’s six-pointer, Lynch marked and kicked a goal.
Tom Lynch (left) made a solid return for the Tigers. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone)
Another two goals brought Richmond within 25 points at the main break. Still, there was a sense that the Blues would kick clear.
That was until Richmond quickly slotted the first two goals of the third quarter and piled the pressure on Carlton, who wilted.
The Tigers kicked five goals to one in the third quarter, with the fightback capped by Tom Brown marking a woeful clearing kick on the siren ahead of the final change.
His goal levelled the scores and had the Tiger army in full roar.
Richmond went 17 points clear in the final term before Carlton fought back, with Jack Silvagni going forward and kicking a goal in his first match for 600 days, since recovering from an ACL injury.
Young Richmond key defender Jacob Blight limped off in the third term with a quad cramp after his excellent match on Harry McKay.
He was subbed out of the match, but it was as much tactical as it was because of injury.
AAP/ABC
Look back at how the action unfolded in our live blog.
Key Events
55m ago55 minutes agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 12:25pm
2h ago2 hours agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 11:18am
2h ago2 hours agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 10:38am
7h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 5:26am
Richmond vs Carlton Scoreboard
By Luke Pentony
55m agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 12:25pm
Thanks for joining us!
By Luke Pentony
This is how Tigers fans will begin their Friday. (Getty)
We’re going to end our coverage for the evening, so a massive thank you for following our live blog.
Congratulations to the Tigers for the deserved 13-point victory, after trailing the Blues for much of the match.
We’ll be back on deck on Friday night as the Hawks take on the Bombers at the ‘G.
Until then, good night!
1h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 12:09pm
Yze glowing in his praise of young Tigers
By Luke Pentony
Harry Armstrong (left), Sam Lalor (centre) and Luke Trainor caught the eye of their coach. (Getty)
Tigers coach Adem Yze has spoken with the media after the match.
Yze praised the way his troops didn’t let the 41-point deficit on the scoreboard in the second quarter deter them from the task at hand.
That was almost the most pleasing aspect of the game, not letting that scoreboard impact the way we wanted to play.
For them to reset and go back to their anchors and get back out there and execute … we knew it was going to take a little bit of time.
Yze couldn’t speak highly enough of his youthful squad following the departure of a massive dose of premiership experience in the off-season.
The spirit and the energy of our young boys to keep fighting was really pleasing.
Among the younger brigade, Lalor’s performance didn’t surprise yze.
He’s a talented kid and he’ll just get better. That’s what he does: when the ball is in his area, he knows how to play and he knows how to win, and he knows how to fight.
1h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 11:44am
Lalor: ‘It was electric’
By Luke Pentony
Sam Lalor won’t forget his AFL debut. (Getty)
As we mentioned, it was a debut to remember for Tigers cub Sam Lalor.
The number-one selection in last year’s draft kicked two goals and managed 18 disposals.
But it was only last month when it seemed his AFL debut may be on hold after he suffered concussion and a hairline fracture of the jaw in a preseason match against the Eagles.
He spoke to the Seven Network after tonight’s match.
To be honest, I didn’t think I would be here for round one, coming off a jaw (injury) not long ago.
So, it’s been pretty hard to get here but when I found out the news, I was pretty relaxed all week and even today I felt relaxed.
As soon as I went out to the ground [I] soaked it all in, made the most of it.
I just loved playing out there, it was electric. What a way to win.
1h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 11:31am
There’s always next week
By Luke Pentony
Thanks Luke – good recovery from the Tigers. Did I mention my darling wife picked Richmond? – I’ll leave it half an hour before I go back into the house….
– Mike
Chin up Mike, we’re sure the Blues will bounce back!
Thanks for following the blog tonight.
1h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 11:27am
Well done Tiges!
By Luke Pentony
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2h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 11:18am
FT: Tigers 13.4 (82) defeat Blues 9.15 (69)
By Luke Pentony
Seth Campbell celebrates after his goal clinched the Tigers’ win. (Getty)
TIGERS TRIUMPH!
What a win for Richmond!
At one stage they trailed by 41 points in the second quarter, but a remarkable fightback saw them come from behind to clinch the four competition points.
After making a sluggish start, they kicked 12 of the last 14 goals for the match.
Meanwhile, Sam Lalor — take a bow!
The top draft pick, in his AFL debut, kicked two goals but more importantly showed what a valuable team member he is by assisting with several of the Tigers’ majors.
It wasn’t just Lalor who impressed on debut, with fellow draftees Harry Armstrong and Luke Trainor playing their part in the Tigers’ win.
What a bright future for the young Tigers trio!
2h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 11:17am
Tigers ice the win through Campbell
By Luke Pentony
The Tigers score with 40 seconds on the clock through Seth Campbell.
Campbell got a boot to the ball after the Tigers sent the ball forward toward goal.
His goal was impressive but his celebration was spectacular, with a cartwheel putting the cherry on top of the cake.
2h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 11:15am
Tigers clinging to their lead
By Luke Pentony
We’re inside two minutes and the Tigers are eight points ahead of the Blues.
Can the Tigers hold on?
2h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 11:11am
Silvagni launches Blues comeback
By Luke Pentony
Jack Silvagni, playing his first AFL match in 600 days, gives Blues fans something to cling to as we inch towards full-time.
After taking a contested mark, Silvagni kicks a goal from inside 50 to cut the Tigers’ lead to eight points.
Silvagni missed the entire 2024 season after suffering an ACL injury the previous year.
2h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 11:08am
McKay goes wide with shot on goal
By Luke Pentony
Time is running out for the Blues, who had led by 41 points earlier in the match.
With under seven minutes on the clock, Harry McKay had a set-shot after marking inside 50.
But his shot went wide and through for a behind, with the Tigers now leading by 14 points.
2h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 11:05am
Mansell makes sure Tigers keep roaring
By Luke Pentony
The Tigers have kicked 11 of the past 12 goals, with Rhyan Mansell adding to the list.
With the ball going to ground from a marking contest close to goal, Mansell used his impressive speed to scoop up the pill.
He dabbed a kick from his right foot to send the Tigers out to a 17-point advantage.
2h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 10:57am
Tigers extend their lead
By Luke Pentony
Jacob Bauer seized his chance for the Tigers. (Getty)
The Tigers move further in front, with Jacob Bauer kicking their 11th goal for the match.
After the Blues failed to secure possession from a marking opportunity, Harry Armstrong centred a kick from the right flank to find Bauer on his own.
Bauer did the rest and the Tigers lead by two goals.
They have now kicked 10 of the last 11 majors.
2h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 10:54am
Tigers working hard in defence
By Luke Pentony
The Tigers have lifted on both sides of the ball since half-time, with some desperate defence keeping the Blues on the backfoot.
Michael Voss have moved down to the bench and was seen in an animated discussion with Harry McKay, who’s taking a breather.
2h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 10:49am
It’s not over yet!
By Luke Pentony
This isn’t going to plan Luke, Carlton were meant to increase their lead in the 3rd, not lose it!
– Mike
The Blues want you to keep the faith, Mike!
2h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 10:48am
Lalor rises to the occasion as Tigers take lead
By Luke Pentony
Sam Lalor, what a debut!
Defensive pressure from the Tigers forces a Blues turnover early in the final term.
From the spilt ball, Tom Lynch gets a swift handball away to Lalor, who kicks on the run to put the Tigers ahead by five points.
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2h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 10:45am
Blues make sub call
By Luke Pentony
The Blues bring sub Sam Docherty into the match, with Cooper Lord given a spell.
2h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 10:44am
Final quarter begins at the ‘G
By Luke Pentony
We’re all square at the MCG as the fourth quarter gets up and running.
GAME ON!
2h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 10:38am
3QT: Tigers 9.3 (57) level with Blues 8.9 (57)
By Luke Pentony
The Tigers are on the march. (Getty)
What a finish to the third quarter for the Tigers!
After the three-quarter time siren sounded, Tom Brown showed cool nerves to land a set-shot to level scores.
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What a final quarter we have ahead of us!
2h agoThu 13 Mar 2025 at 10:30am
Tigers activate their sub
By Luke Pentony
Late in the third quarter, the Tigers have activated their sub.
Tyler Sonsie enters the fray, with Jacob Blight making way.
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