MCG will play host to Thursday's Round 1 AFL game between Carlton Blues and Richmond Tigers. The game kicks off at 7:30 pm with Carlton Blues heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Carlton Blues vs. Richmond Tigers game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Thursday March 14, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Where: MCG
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Carlton Blues vs Richmond Tigers Odds
Carlton Blues vs Richmond Tigers Preview
Neither team pictured their Opening Round going so good, and so bad, but an early picture was painted on how these two teams will attack 2024.
The Blues did the impossible, defeating the Lions at the Gabba, not to mention the 46-point comeback accompanied by that win.
Richmond was never expected to set the world alight this year, but their performance in the Gold Coast probably exposed their weaknesses quicker than they wouldve liked.
To their credit, they still have that Tiger fight within them, kicking seven goals in a row to claw the margin back to 25 points was commendable in a game that was close to turning severely ugly.
Sadly for the Blues, they lose club hero Sam Docherty to his third ACL injury in his career, a devastating blow for the Blues and footy fans in general.
The Tigers should see the return of Dustin Martin, Toby Nankervis, and possibly Tom Lynch, which helps bolster the midfield stocks, as well as a dominant key forward, something Richmond lacked last week.
Can the Tigers find a way to shut down McKay and Curnow, or will their dominance overpower Richmonds lack of depth?
The Blues will go in comfortable favourites, something that hasnt happened in over a decade.
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Carlton Blues vs Richmond Tigers Tip
We're tipping Carlton Blues to win at $1.40 odds.
Carlton Blues vs Richmond Tigers Teams
BLUES
B: Z.Williams, L.Young, B.Kemp
HB: A.Saad, M.McGovern, N.Newman
C: M.Cottrell, P.Cripps – C, B.Acres
HF: D.Cuningham, C.Curnow, O.Fantasia
F: M.Owies, H.McKay, O.Hollands
FOLL: T.De Koning, A.Cerra, G.Hewett
I/C: J.Boyd, C.Durdin, M.Kennedy, L.Fogarty, J.Carroll
EMG: J.Binns, M.Pittonet, A.Moir
IN: C.Durdin
OUT: S.Docherty (injured)
TIGERS
B: D.Grimes, T.Young, J.Gibcus
HB: J.Short, N.Broad, N.Vlastuin
C: K.McIntosh, T.Taranto, J.Ross
HF: M.Rioli, L.Baker, S.Bolton
F: N.Balta, D.Martin, T.Lynch
FOLL: T.Nankervis – C, J.Hopper, D.Prestia
I/C: D.Rioli, T.Dow, M.Pickett, R.Mansell, S.Campbell
EMG: T.Brown, S.Naismith, S.Banks
IN: D.Martin, T.Lynch, T.Nankervis, R.Mansell
OUT: S.Banks, J.Koschitzke, S.Naismith, S.Ryan (all omitted)