AFL Media's Nathan Schmook previews Carlton's season opener against Richmond:
SUMMARY
It will be 194 days since last year's elimination final loss when the Tigers run out on Thursday night and start their quest for redemption. The now traditional season opener is a match they are expected to win and win well, but coach Damien Hardwick has faced his challenges in the past fortnight. Chris Yarran (foot) and Reece Conca (hamstring) have each suffered long-term setbacks, while Brett Deledio (quadricep) will miss one week. There is enough depth at Richmond to account for Carlton, but can the players make a statement and win well? The Blues have a new coach in Brendon Bolton and look a lot more organised and "united" under the former Hawks assistant. Up to six new Blues could be unveiled on Friday night, with 2016 all about the future.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Thursday, March 24, 7.20pm AEDT
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R15, 2015, Richmond 10.11 (71) d Carlton 5.11 (41) at the MCG
R1, 2015, Richmond 15.15 (105) d Carlton 11.12 (78) at the MCG
R2, 2014, Richmond 14.14 (98) d Carlton 12.14 (86) at the MCG
1EF, 2013, Carlton 18.8 (116) d Richmond 14.12 (96) at the MCG
R21, 2013, Carlton 16.10 (106) d Richmond 14.12 (96) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Jack Riewoldt was the big difference for the Tigers in their two wins over the Blues in 2015. He was the leading goalkicker in both clashes, kicking four goals in round one and three in round 15, but he didn't receive a single Brownlow Medal vote.
2. Richmond had a much better spread of goalkickers last season, with four players kicking more than 20 goals. In contrast, Carlton had only two players hitting that mark. The Tigers averaged 87 points a game compared to the Blues' 69.
3. Richmond has now won the past three clashes between the sides after Carlton had won 10 of the previous 11.
4. No team took the ball inside 50 less in 2015 than Carlton, which averaged only 44 entries a game. Richmond ranked 10th with 50 inside 50s a game.
5. Neither was a strong tackling team in 2015, ranking as the bottom two in the AFL. Richmond placed 17th with an average of 58 tackles a game, with Carlton in last place with 57 tackles a game.
6. Richmond will be missing Bret Deledio, its No.1 ranked player in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Schick. Deledio has climbed from No.7 at the Tigers halfway through last season to No.1 at the club and No.23 in the AFL.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Jacob Weitering: The No.1 pick will make his debut after a pre-season that underlined why he was snapped up by the Blues' last year. Now the favourite to win the NAB AFL Rising Star Award, Weitering will be the main attraction for Carlton supporters. He'll be vital for his team too against in-form goalkicker Jack Riewoldt and the Tigers' tall forward line.
