Zac Williams has kicked a crucial late goal to help Carlton survive a second-half fightback from Richmond and release a pressure valve with a tense four-point win.
After a horror week, headlined by retired former captain Sam Docherty’s leaked “f***ing shitshow” criticism, the Blues responded with a 10.15 (75) to 9.17 (71) victory at the MCG on Thursday night.
But there were plenty of nervous moments as Carlton – who coughed up a 41-point lead when beaten in the corresponding fixture last year – had a 29-point advantage whittled back to less than one straight kick.
Williams stepped up to end a 55-minute goal drought before Tigers spearhead Tom Lynch was awarded a controversial free-kick and responded with his second major to set up a huge last two minutes.
The Blues hung on in the desperate final stages to post their first win of the season, after being hammered by Sydney in the opening round.
Young gun Jagga Smith (32 disposals) was outstanding in his second senior game, particularly early, with senior midfielders Patrick Cripps (32) and Sam Walsh (30) also important.
Jacob Weitering was outstanding in defence, while Harry McKay and Mitch McGovern kicked two goals each for the Blues.
Lynch finished with a wayward 2.7 for Richmond as he wasted chances to kick his side to victory.
Sam Lalor (16 touches, two goals), Tim Taranto (29 disposals), Jayden Short (29) and captain Toby Nankervis (21) were influential in the Tigers’ comeback.
Rhyan Mansell and Steely Green kicked two goals each.
Carlton coach Michael Voss was smiling on the bench as his side logged five goals to one in the opening quarter-hour to take control of the contest early.
There was plenty of niggle in a fiery second term and Jonty Faull felled Weitering off the ball with a jab to the stomach that could cost the Richmond youngster a week on the sidelines.
Confused Blues defender Lewis Young was left questioning umpires over the rules when interference from an opponent in a marking contest went unpunished, leading to a Lalor goal.
Lalor’s brilliant second, when he spun out of traffic and kicked truly, breathed life into the contest after the main break and the Tigers clawed back within 13 points.
Maurice Rioli sparked Richmond with a pair of run-down tackles and the surge continued in the final quarter as they cut the deficit to less than one straight kick.
Lynch was awarded a free kick and converted from point-blank range to make it a four-point game with two minutes left, but the Blues held on.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/blues-withstand-tigers-surge-to-post-first-win-c-21923733
