AFL: Richmond stun Carlton in massive Round 1 boilover

In a stunning Round 1 upset that will be remembered for years to come, Richmond staged an incredible comeback to defeat Carlton by 13 points in a thrilling match at the MCG.

The Richmond Tigers overcame a massive 41-point deficit halfway through the second quarter, dominating the latter stages to secure a 13.4 (82) to 9.15 (69) victory.

Carlton entered the match as unbackable $1.04 favourites with AFL betting sites, with Richmond marked as a $10.50 outsider, given a start of 49.5 points.

The turnaround was nothing short of remarkable as Richmond kicked 12 of the last 14 goals of the match, showcasing their resilience and determination in front of 80,009 fans on a Thursday night spectacle.

Captain Toby Nankervis was instrumental, contributing two crucial goals along with 21 disposals, 35 hitouts, and seven clearances. His leadership was pivotal in guiding Richmond through adversity.

Debutants Sam Lalor, Luke Trainor, and Harry Armstrong made their mark on the game, with Lalor particularly impressive with two goals and impactful plays throughout the match.

Their inclusion injected fresh energy into Richmond’s lineup, bolstering their performance when it mattered most.

For Carlton, despite a valiant effort led by Tom De Koning’s outstanding performance with 28 disposals, 30 hitouts, and eight clearances, the absence of key players like Charlie Curnow and Nic Newman proved costly.

The Blues, who led comfortably early on, faltered in the face of Richmond’s relentless pressure and accurate finishing.

Lucas Camporeale and Nick Haynes debuted for Carlton, adding depth to their lineup amidst injuries and absences. However, it was not enough to withstand Richmond’s resurgence in the second half.

The match highlighted Richmond’s depth and determination despite challenges in their senior list, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. As they celebrate a memorable victory, the Tigers look ahead with optimism in the 2025 AFL Premiership Season, aiming to build on this impressive start.

For Carlton, despite the disappointment, there were positives to take from the debut performances of their young players and the return of Jack Silvagni after a lengthy absence.

The Blues will regroup and focus on bouncing back against Hawthorn next Thursday night at the MCG, while Richmond travel to the Adelaide Oval to take on Port Adelaide on Saturday, March 22.

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