Umpires: R.Sawers, B.Carland

Goalkickers: S.Kernahan 7, W.Blackwell 1, G.Hawker 1, M.Naley 1, P.Sartori 1, P.Meldrum 1, C.Bond 1.

Best: S.Kernahan, J.Madden, P.Meldrum, S.Silvagni, C.Bradley, S.Da Rui, W.Blackwell, T.Rieniets.

Reports: Craig Bradley (Attempted tripping of Matthew Knights & Barry Young) - Not Guilty.

Injuries: Nil

Game Review

Like Carlton, Richmond had had a poor start to the season, losing their first four games straight and tumbling to the foot of the ladder. Since then they had gradually improved, winning three of their next five, but few gave them any chance of upsetting Carlton in this clash at the MCG. How wrong the experts were.

The Tigers set themselves for this match, to honour the 300th game of their dual Premiership ruckman David Cloke, and only inaccuracy around the goals prevented them from leading after an even first half. At that stage, the difference between the sides was Carlton captain Stephen Kernahan, whose aerial dominance had brought him five majors in a brilliant solo effort. Double figures seemed on offer for ‘Sticks,’ before the Richmond brains trust, in either a stroke of genius or desperation (take your pick) shifted the rough and ready Andy Goodwin on to him.

Richmond found new vitality after the long break, and with Goodwin harassing Kernahan out of the game, the Tigers straightened their attack, kicking 9.6 to 5.3 in the second half to win by 23 points. Among their heroes was ex-Blue David Honeybun, who kicked six goals. Kernahan ended the day with seven majors to his credit, tufts of hair missing, and bruises all over his neck and shoulders.

Despite this shock defeat, the Blues were still well and truly in contention for the finals, one win and percentage behind fifth-placed St Kilda. After thrashing Sydney by 90 points at the SCG, Essendon were the new ladder leaders, ahead of Melbourne, West Coast, Collingwood and the Saints.

Team

Brownlow Votes

3: Michael Mitchell (Richmond)
2: Trent Nicholls (Richmond)
1: Matthew Knights (Richmond)