Carlton will take on Richmond in the traditional annual round 1 clash at the MCG on Thursday night.
Richmond have won the past 11 clashes against the Blues, dating all the way back to the Blues last win over Richmond in the 2013 elimination final. The question on everyone’s mind is if the Blues can finally, after 8 and a half long years, get over the line against the Tigers?
Richmond well and truly disappointed last year, going from premiers to dropping all the way to 12th. They will be hungry for a round 1 win to get their 2022 season off to the right start. It is going to be very mentally tough for Carlton to burry this hoodoo loosing the last 11 clashes, so what can be different about this round 1 clash?
For a start, a fresh new coach, by the name of Michael Voss. He has had years of experience as a player and coach, including a 3 times premiership captain at the Brisbane Lions. He didn’t succeed in his 1st role as Brisbane Lions senior coach, but has worked for several years as assistant coach and under the guidance of Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley. He will surely do a much better job at the Blues with a second senior coaching gig. He has a really strong game plan, along with some of the key players Carlton have recruited:
Adam Cerra, coming across from Fremantle after playing 76 games, he will fit nicely into the Blues midfield.
George Hewett, crossing over from the Swans after 120 games and scoring 32 goals. He will be a key starter in the Blues best 22.
Matthew Kennedy- Looking better under the guidance of Voss, he will be a key midfielder to provide plenty of pace.
Patrick Cripps- Looking fitter then ever and looking like he could have a breakout season in 2022.
The return to Charlie Curnow to the forward line along side Harry McKay, this will massively help the Blues scoring power and they will look for more wins this year.
Richmond still have some of the best talent in the competition, Dusty Martin, Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin, Shane Edwards, Jason Castagna, Daniel Riolio and Tom Lynch- Just to name a few. But they are side that still has plenty of potential in 2022 and could bounce back from last years disappointing effort without question.
Richmond start favourites at $1.48 and Carlton are not far off at $2.61. It looks on paper a very even contest, Carlton certainly want to take this chance to break an 11 game loosing streak, they have hardly had a better chance in the last 5 meetings against Richmond, with all their new talent coming through and a very good, new coach.