Goalkickers: C. Curnow 5, M. Wright 5, J. Garlett 2, S. Petrevski-Seton, Z. Fisher, L. Casboult 1.

Reports: Nil.

Umpires: L. Fisher, B. Hosking, B. Rosebury.

Injuries: M. Kennedy (ankle), M. Kreuzer (groin)

Ladder: 12th

Game Review

The Blues opened Season 2018 with a loss but with some run and hope in this great season opener at the MCG in front of over 90,000 people. The reigning Premiers took the points and hoisted their flag, but there was a lot to like about the Blues!

At selection the Blues welcomed 4 newbies - one AFL debut in Paddy Dow who had affectionately becoming known as Paddy Wow after a strong pre-season, and ex- AFL Clubbers Matt Kennedy, Aaron Mullett and Jarrod Garlett. We would also welcome back Ed Curnow from injury and Ciaran Byrne from another injury impacted year.

The Blues began brightly with the first 5 of the game before the Tigers started to fight back after about 20 minutes. Some brilliant forward efforts saw them close the gap and only enter quarter time less than 2 goals down. It was a great start.

But then a few injuries, a lack of run from defence and some good old Richmond drive saw the game turn and tighten dramatically.

In the last the Tigers turned the screws and kicked away despite some great efforts from the Blues, ultimately winning by 26 points.

For the Blues Cripps was brilliant in the middle but suffered a little when we lost Kennedy to injury, meaning there was no 'forward chop out'. Casboult had to play in the ruck with Kreuzer's groin injury as well.

Alas, a history website never laments what might have been but reports on what was - and the TIgers were impressive in the clutches and kicked away.

Team

Milestones

Debut: Paddy Dow
Debut (Carlton): Jarrod Garlett, Matt Kennedy, Aaron Mullett
First Goal (Carlton): Jarrod Garlett
50 Games (Coach - AFL): Brendon Bolton
Interesting Fact: It was the first time since Round 2, 2011 that 2 Carlton players have both scored 5 goals in the same match when Jeffery Garlett and Andrew Walker did this feat.

AFLCA Votes

10 - Patrick Cripps (Carl)
7 - Dustin Martin (Rich)
6 - Kade Simpson (Carl)
3 - Jack Riewoldt (Rich)
2 - Dan Butler (Rich)
2 - Charlie Curnow (Carl)

Brownlow Votes

3 - Charlie Curnow (Carl)
2 - Patrick Cripps (Carl)
1 - Jack Riewoldt (Rich)

Best & Fairest Votes

Patrick Cripps 13, Kade Simpson 12, Charlie Curnow 11, Matthew Wright 10, Caleb Marchbank 9, Zac Fisher 5, Ed Curnow 4, Dale Thomas 3, Jarrod Garlett 2, Matthew Kreuzer 2, Aaron Mullett 2, Levi Casboult 1, Marc Murphy 1, Sam Petrevski-Seton 1.