Tom Lynch slots the final goal of the game to tie the scores with just 17 seconds remaining.
(Photo: AFL Facebook)
Richmond and Carlton could not be split when the final siren sounded, in an emotion-charged opening game of the AFL season.
Feelings of excitement and anxiety were strong coming into the season opener, with both Carlton and Richmond having high hopes of going far this year.
Over 88,000 people packed into the MCG to watch the opening fixture, the second biggest
round one match-up ever between the two sides.
Dustin Martin fittingly slotted the first goal of the season to a deafening roar, with a classy
snap, just 30 seconds into the contest.
Carlton fought back strongly however, kicking the next two goals in quick succession
through Zac Fisher and Jack Silvagni, as the Blues gained back the ascendancy.
The pressure was immense in the opening quarter, with fierce intensity and massive run-
down tackles a prominent feature of both teams.
At quarter time, it was the Blues ahead by nine points, with Richmond failing to capitalise on-field position dominance, missing multiple straightforward chances.
The Blues, led by Patrick Cripps looked to take a stranglehold on the contest in the second term, but like the Tigers had done in the first quarter, they squandered great opportunities in front of the big sticks, kicking a miserable 1.5 to the tigers 1.0.
Despite the Baggers' missed opportunities, they still managed to increase their quarter time
lead to be 14 points up at the main break.
Both teams had a bit to think about going into half-time, as polish and composure in front of the big sticks was lacking in a frenetic first half.
The Tiges burst out of the blocks to open the second half, kicking three of the first four goals in quick time, through Jack Riewoldt, Shai Bolton, and Tom Lynch. Lynch was on fire in the third quarter, single handedly clawing Richmond back into the game, with some big grabs and trademark goals.
However as the Blues had done all night, they held firm and showed a level of resilience not
often seen by the club over the past 10 years. They wrestled back momentum to be down
by just five points heading into the last.
Just seven minutes into the final term, the crowd were brought to their feet by a deafening
eruption as inspirational leader, Sam Docherty delivered a 60 metre bomb to take back the
lead.
It appeared that this game was going to go down to the wire, and how fitting it seemed, as
the opening match of the 2023 season.
Huge moments were to follow as last year’s Coleman medallist, Charlie Curnow
kicked a miraculous goal-line soccer goal approaching the final siren, the Blues looked home.
Noah Balta rebounds the ball from the defensive 50.
(Photo: AFL Facebook)
A huge mark by Bolton followed minutes later, however he opted to snap the ball from
20 metres out directly in front, only to belly the ball, just sneaking in for a point.
A tense six or seven minutes were to follow, with the anxiety and anticipation being felt
throughout the packed colosseum of the MCG and the almost 90,000 that were there to
witness the nail-biter.
Carlton attempted to shut down the game, moving the ball slowly and keeping possession.
The Blues defenders were able to stand strong, often being peppered with inside 50s. Almost every player wearing a Carlton jumper flooded the defence in desperation to cling
onto the slim lead.
Mitch McGovern delivered on one of his most important moments in Blues' colours, taking a big mark deep in defence, before quickly playing on and sending the ball down the wing.
Motlop was able to get on the end of it, as he gave it over to Lochie O’Brien to go
for a blistering run down the wing. Daniel Rioli desperately chased but the fresh legs of O’Brien proved too strong.
He kicked the ball deep inside 50, with Harry McKay the option. The superstar forward
slipped at the most inopportune time, unable to secure the mark as the Tigers pounced on
the turnover and took it down the other end.
Richmond needed a hero, and they got one through Tom Lynch, as he soared for a big pack
mark deep inside 50. Lining up for goal, with a chorus of cheers and boos, the pressure on
Lynch was immense. He either kicks the goal and his side comes away with a draw or misses the shot and goes home with nothing to show for it.
With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Lynch calmly strolled in and kicked truly,
leaving scores tied with just 17 seconds left.
As the ball was bounced, there was one last roll of the dice. The Blues were able to secure
the crucial centre clearance through Adam Cerra, as he found former Fremantle teammate,
Blake Acres unopposed just outside 50. Unfortunately, Acres couldn’t hold the mark, the
ball spilt out to O’Brien as he was tackled in numbers when the final siren sounded.
It was received with feelings of shock and disbelief, as the opening game produced one of
the biggest thrillers we have witnessed for some time.
Both teams had opportunities to win the game, with Richmond particularly failing to fully
capitalise on their inside 50 dominance and field position.
Albeit a draw, both teams will feel a sense of relief and disappointment as they move ahead
to next week.
For the Tigers, Tim Taranto impressed in his first game at the club, providing a much-needed boost to the Richmond midfield, along with Rioli, Bolton, Lynch and Jack Graham.
While for the Blues, George Hewett was ever reliable, along with McKay, Cripps, Adam Saad
and Lewis Young.
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