Carlton and Richmond kicked off the 2019 AFL season at the MCG on Thursday night, the fifth straight year the fixture has opened the new season.
Richmond have emerged victorious on all four occasions, and shot out to a five-goal quarter-time lead, prompting many to question whether the fixture deserves to stay in the slot.
The Blues went into the first break with just one point on the board, though matters improved slightly in the second term, going into half-time down 28-50.
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For what it's worth, the 2017 premiers looked like they will again be a formidable outfit, with Carlton struggling amid the fierce Tigers pressure.
Former Suns captain and big-name off-season recruit Tom Lynch kicked two first quarter goals, settling into the Richmond forward line with ease.
You can see why this kicks off the season instead of the Grand Finalists facing each other. #AFLBluesTigers
— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) March 21, 2019
The only reason you'd schedule this game is if you want to start the season with a ritual sacrifice to the footy gods. #AFLBluesTigers
— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) March 21, 2019
Gil McLachlan already considering giving Carlton a priority pick. #AFLBluesTigers
— Ryan Fitzgerald (@FitzySA) March 21, 2019
Here’s an idea, the 2 grand finalists from the previous year should play in the opening game of the season, this is dogshit #AFLBluesTigers
— Lachie Hay (@lachie_hay) March 21, 2019
If I was Carlton, I’d be wanting to give this opening fixture up. They should be playing St Kilda or GoldCoast at 1.10 on Sunday in a winnable game to give their season some impetus. Playing the flag favourite and getting smashed isn’t ideal. #AFLBluesTigers
— SimonC (@simonsbargains) March 21, 2019
To Carlton's credit they fought back admirably after the break, Patrick Cripps leading the way, while youngsters Sam Walsh and Will Setterfield got plenty of the footy.
Former Swan Nic Newman also settled into navy blue well, finishing with 26 touches.
Regardless of the outcome, all four previous editions of the fixture have seen crowds of more than 70,000 pack into the MCG, and it's always a ratings winner on TV.
2019's attendance topped the 85,000 mark, with Carlton's second-half fight back breathing life into the contest.
As it turned out, Richmond were able to kick away, claiming a 33-point win.
The victory was however soured by a serious-looking knee injury to Alex Rance, with initial fears that the fullback may have ruptured his ACL.
