Dominant display from Patrick Cripps headlines Carlton win over Richmond as Martin gets on scoresheet

Patrick Cripps put in a virtuoso performance in the opening game of the AFL season to get Carlton across the line against Richmond, while Jack Martin also played a key role. Northampton product Cripps, Carlton’s captain this season, was his side’s best afield and top scorer as they beat the Tigers 14.17 (101) to 11.10 (76) after being down by 20 points in the final quarter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. He kicked three goals and had 30 disposals, 17 by foot, and five marks while covering the most ground of anyone on the field. The Blues were down by 20 points in the last quarter but kicked seven unanswered goals. Cripps got on the scoresheet for the Blues early in the second term before adding another major less than five minutes later. He kicked his third just under 10 minutes into the final quarter to inspire the team to a comeback. Former Geraldton schoolboy Martin also played a key part. He kicked Carlton into the lead in the fourth quarter. It was a first win for the Blues against the Tigers in nine years. The quartet of Cripps, Adam Cerra, George Hewett and Matthew Kennedy combined for 121 disposals, 26 clearances and six goals. The Blues had 42 more possessions than the Tigers in the final quarter, 95 to 53, but finished the term with one more tackle. Contested possessions were level at the final change, but the Blues ended the game with 19 more. The Tigers had beaten the Blues out of the centre bounce throughout the first three quarters, but Carlton won every centre break in the final term. It allowed the Blues to dominate field position, recording 22 inside 50s to two in the final term.