Season opener: Richmond vs Carlton @ the MCG --- Round 1, 2023

[one-eyed]

From SEN:

As for Thursday night’s clash, the Brenton Sanderson is tipping the Blues.

However, it could be dependent on if Richmond’s on-ball unit can match it with Carlton’s big-bodied midfielder.

“I think Carlton win, 12 to 15 points,” Sanderson added.

“I just think they’ve got too many weapons, Carlton. I like their gameplan, I think they’ve got a point to prove.

“Richmond will put so much time into (Patrick) Cripps, they have to. What they do with Carlton’s key forwards as well will be interesting.”

“If Richmond can break even with contest and clearance, maybe they’re a chance tonight. We know with these first rounds with so much pressure and anxiety it can go either way, but I just think it’s Carlton by two goals tonight.”

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/03/16/former-afl-coach-tipping-tigers-for-mild-drop-off-after-scotts-comments/

[FooffooValve]

Jack Ross not playing today so he'll be the sub tonight.

Honey and O'Brien not playing for Carlton.

[one-eyed]

First 10 mins is Barrett dishing us and our chances.

------------------------------------------

IN TODAY'S AFL Daily, star journalists Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich join all the dots on football's big issues.

- How Richmond's defence will fare in the season opener
- All eyes on Dustin Martin and Tom De Koning

LISTEN HERE: https://omny.fm/shows/afl-daily/previewing-the-season-opener-plus-more-bad-news-fo

https://www.afl.com.au/news/882552/listen-richmond-s-massive-concern-dusty-hopes-for-2023

[one-eyed]

The 4 umps tonight:

14 - Hayden Gavine
19 - Alex Whetton
21 - Simon Meredith
27 - Andre Gianfagna

https://aflua.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Round-1.pdf

[one-eyed]

Richmond vs Carlton Preview

Lachlan Geleit
SEN
16 March 2023

Richmond and Carlton are again set to meet in their traditional season-opening clash, but this time both sides are considered genuine contenders for the first time in recent memory.

While Carlton won the last Round 1 matchup between the teams, Richmond claimed seven in a row prior to that as they’ve dominated the clash across the last decade.

Fans of both sides will be eager to see new recruits line up in the colours for the first time and the Tigers in particular receive some crucial ins to combat the Blues’ strengths.

With a new inside midfield group that includes Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, Richmond will be backing themselves to stem Carlton’s biggest strength at the stoppage and hope to stop deep and direct entries inside 50s towards Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow.

If they can control the game at the coal face, they should be too strong for the Blues around the ground.

Tip: Richmond by 14 points.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/03/15/who-will-win-and-why-the-predictions-and-tips-for-round-123/

[Assange Tiger 😎]

here we go people!

[Andyy]

Confirm Ross sub and he looks way bigger this year IMO

[Broadsword]

Richmond beating Richmond. No change from 2022 so far. Not respecting possession enough at all.

[Assange Tiger 😎]

Short almost sent Dustin back to hospital there.

Effort is great, just a bit sloppy as you'd expect. Couple of blokes up forward with no forward craft

[FooffooValve]

Encouraging start defensively. Just didn't nail a couple of easy shots. If the game plays out on this trend, we'll win.

[mightytiges]

Butchering forward entries and ballwatching when they get it. Dimma would be doing his nut.

[Simonator]

Everything looks decent it’s just that last link with the forwards. Missed a couple easy shots, hope they don’t come back to bite

[Broadsword]

I'm in two minds.

1) Locking the ball in for the best part of 10 minutes reminded me of 2018-2019 with the defenders setting up the wall and Carlton couldn't get out.

2) Not taking our shots and then butchering the ball and they slingshot for the first time in 10 minutes rips the heart out of the team as all that effort is in vain. That's Richmond beating Richmond circa 2021 - 2022.

I also think the forward line looks slow and leaks like a sieve with Lynch, Riewoldt, and Martin all in there.

[Assange Tiger 😎]

Jack Riewoldt is playing like he's 26. Unreal

[Broadsword]

Too sloppy. Not scoring. Concede easy slingshot territory.

I'm preparing myself for an early season heart-breaker.