CARLTON veteran Chris Judd stars while Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt misses out

TALKING POINTS: CARLTON veteran Chris Judd wound back the clock, Duigan made the most of his chances while Richmond faltered under finals heat.

CARLTON veteran Chris Judd wound back the clock, Nick Duigan made the most of his opportunities while Richmond faltered under finals heat.

JUDD INSPIRES BLUES

CARLTON veteran Chris Judd was sore, no doubt.

But that didn't stop the dual Brownlow medallist cut Richmond's midfield to ribbons in an electric third quarter.

The Blues led by Judd's mastery around the stoppages dominated the term piling on five goals to reduce a 31-point deficit to one point.

Judd was brilliant winning clearance after clearance on his way to 11 disposals for the term - 25 total.

Judd was rushed back into the team after missing three weeks with a knee injury.

He stamped his authority in the last kicking the sealer after pouncing on a loose ball in the pocket.

Simply, brilliant.

Carl v Rich final

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

BLUES swingman Nick Duigan made the most of his late call up kicking four goals in a dominant display.

Duigan replaced Brock McLean who broke down in the pre-match warm up.

The 28-year-old left nothing to chance in just his fourth AFL game this season taking seven marks while chipping in with two score assists.

Tuck

TIGERS BOMB OUT OF FINALS RACE

RICHMOND fans dared to dream early in the third quarter.

And who could blame them? 32 points up in their first finals appearances in 12 years.

The disaster struck with Richmond coughing up a handy break to Carlton for the second time in three weeks.

But unlike the Tigers' Round 21 choke at the MCG, there's no next week this time around.

Carlton piled on 12 second half goals compared to Richmond's four.

The Blues surged forward with every opportunity, while reducing Tiger playmakers to cameo roles.

This will sting for some time at Punt Rd.

Riewoldt

WHERE'S JACK?

RICHMOND spearhead Jack Riewoldt has worked hard this season bringing teammates into the contest.

But Riewoldt had to stand up on the September stage.

He kicked one goal and had a hand in two others. Was it enough?

Credit where it's due, Blues defender Michael Jamison did a power of work restricting Riewoldt's impact on the contest.