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CARLTON defender Bret Thornton says Thursday night’s 83-point hammering of Richmond sent a crystal clear message to the Tigers and the rest of the football world.

Against a foe expected to jostle with the Blues for a spot in the final eight, Carlton extended its lead at every change and had the game won shortly after half time.

“We have got similar expectations as Richmond this year so to get one up on them and to win so convincingly, it sent a good message,” he said.

“It was an awesome way to start the year.

“To win by that much, and to be as comprehensive as that, was really good for the team. We had a really solid pre-season and that was a bit of icing on the cake.”

The 25-year-old admitted to nerves going in given the Carlton side contained four first gamers – Mitch Robinson, Jeff Garlett, Sam Jacobs and Aaron Joseph.

But, he was calmed by the memory of pre-season.

“They’ve done it the whole pre-season,” he said.

“They gave us a spark early on and to put Eddie Betts in that forward line as well, it’s pretty dangerous and exciting.

“The forward pressure they put on is just unbelievable.”

The Blues clocked 20 inside-50 tackles on route to 82 for the game – 29 more than the hapless Tigers.

Thornton said one of the big positives to emerge from the victory was the players' willingness to push even when the game was well within their keeping.

“In the past we probably would get six goals up and then get challenged and maybe get beaten,” he said.

“To keep the foot on the throat the whole game was good and it sent a bit of a message to Richmond because they got us in round one last year.”

The Blues had 11 goal kickers, including seven multiple goal scorers.

Robinson was a standout on debut kicking three goals from 13 possessions while full forward Brendan Fevola managed only two of the sides 23 goals.

Richard Hadley led the tackle count with 12.

While thrilled with the win Thornton said it was important the side kept it in perspective.

“It was a bit of reward for the work we’ve done but in saying that it’s still very early,” he said.