IT ENDED as it started.

For the first time since the 1972 semi final, Richmond and Carlton shared the spoils in a dramatic draw

Quarter one 

It was a hot start from the Blues, answering the Tigers’ first goal instantly through the boot of Zac Fisher. George Hewett (11 disposals) was dynamic through the middle - particularly in the clearances - while Sam Docherty’s pressure and intercept was pivotal down back. A flying mark resulted in a goal for the 100th gamer in Silvagni, relishing his role as a third tall in attack. Though Richmond spent the majority of the term in its forward 50, the home side was unable to capitalise on the scoreboard with Carlton's defenders holding up well. The debutants were impressive early, with Ollie Hollands taking on two opponents head on while defending on the last line, while Lachie Cowan delivered a perfect tackle on Shai Bolton, earning himself a free kick in the process. A running snap from Harry McKay was reward for effort for the Blues, taking a nine-point lead into quarter time.

Quarter two 

While there wasn’t much scoring this quarter, there was plenty of pressure. Lewis Young was outstanding in the defensive 50, racking up intercept possessions and quelling the influence of Jack Riewoldt. Jesse Motlop’s pressure was strong as he moved higher up the ground, with the ball pinging from end to end. The Blues' best moments in the term came in the air, with the likes of McKay and Jacob Weitering flying for the Sherrin. Adam Saad’s speed was on display, with his run out of the defensive half and his chase-down tackle key highlights, while a clever crumbing goal from Matt Owies broke the drought, leaving the Blues 14 points ahead heading into the main break.

Quarter three 

Two quick goals to Richmond put Carlton on the back foot as its defence started to get picked through by a fast-moving Tiger outfit. A huge grab and two quick goals from Charlie Curnow put the Blues’ noses back in front, but as the physicality rose, so too did the Tigers' time in their forward half. Young battled away in the backline, saving a certain goal on the goal line, but the contributions of Tom Lynch and Riewoldt saw Carlton trail by five points as the last quarter loomed. 

Quarter four 

McKay’s strong contested marking continued, providing an imposing target down the line over the course of the night. When the Blues needed someone to step up, it was the MCG City End specialist who stepped up: at the same end of the ground as last year's opener, Sam Docherty launched from 60 metres to give the Blues the lead back. After a subdued middle portion of the game, it was captain Cripps who got the Blues going at the source, amassing 10 disposals in the final term. An incredible, intuitive goal from Charlie Curnow - his third of the night - put the Blues ahead by seven points, but a late Tom Lynch mark and goal left scores level, while his brother Ed nullified Prestia's impact in the final term. Just 30 seconds later, the siren sounded, ending in Carlton's first draw since 2014, its third draw against Richmond in history and the first since the 1972 semi final.

Three things we’ve learned 

1. Of all the scenarios that Carlton, Richmond and football fans drew up, that wasn't one of them, with shared points in the season opener. While the Blues went about it a different way to last year, capitalising off turnover as opposed to clearance dominance, there were signs to impress Michael Voss and his coaching staff: however, it will undoubtedly go down as a missed opportunity for the Blues.

2. Carlton's backline held firm over the course of the night, restricting Richmond to the same amount of scoring shots despite 21 fewer forward entries. Lewis Young played a key role in that, finishing with 20 disposals and a game-high 14 intercepts in a brilliant first-up showing.

3. At the other end of the ground, there were signs that the dynamic partnership of Curnow and McKay would once again flourish in Navy Blue. McKay was arguably the best player on the ground at half time, dominating the airways on top of his first-quarter goal. While Curnow was well-held in the opening half, he shone when the game was there for the taking, kicking three of Carlton's four second-half majors.

RICHMOND       1.4     2.4     7.8       8.10 (58)
CARLTON           3.1     4.6     6.9       8.10 (58)

GOALS
Carlton: C.Curnow 3, Docherty, Fisher, McKay, Owies, Silvagni

BEST
Carlton: Young, Hewett, McKay, Weitering, Docherty, Kennedy