Carlton’s banner takes aim at Dustin Martin in Round 1 loss to Richmond at the MCG

CARLTON has come under fire for hiring a PR company to write a contentious Round 1 banner which mocked Dustin Martin. But it was the Tigers star that had the last laugh.

Thursday, March 23 Carlton vs. Richmond (MCG) (N) Carlton banner Picture: Wayne Ludbey

CARLTON has come under fire for hiring a PR company to write a contentious Round 1 banner.

Jumping the shark, the Blues last night tried to emulate premiers Western Bulldogs in the witty banner stakes.

But their efforts fell flat, especially after the butt of the banner gag — Dustin Martin — torched the Blues with 30 disposals and four goals in the season-opener at the MCG.

The banner cheekily read: “Richmond’s five-year plan has become a disaster, vision-impaired like Dusty’s barber”.

Sydney premiership coach Paul Roos last night slammed the banner banter.

Carlton’s banner poked fun at Dustin Martin and then he was best on ground. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“If I’m Brendon Bolton I am not happy about that banner. At all. At all,” Roos told Fox Footy.

“I just think it’s not on. You’re a young team. You’ve got to plan at Carlton.

“I understand banners can be kitschy and fun ... but I think if I’m Brendon Bolton that sort of stuff is about your branding, what you stand for as a football club. Everything you do now has to be like that. I don’t think that’s on.”

Western Bulldogs revolutionised footy banners last year, hiring comedian Danny McGinlay to come up with clever quips.

DANNY McGINLAY’S 2017 BANNERS FOR YOUR TEAM

McGINLAY BANNERS SUM UP THE 2016 SEASON

McGinlay’s best work included at hilarious “negative gearing” swipe at affluent Melbourne fans.

FANS SPLIT ON BANNER

Just saw the Carlton banner - not one bit of wit about it. Try harder maybe. #gotiges

— maree pardy (@mareeep) March 23, 2017

The PR team who wrote the Carlton banner. Clown them please Rosie.. #COTW @mmmhotbreakfast

— Adam (@Adam_CF) March 23, 2017

Footy is back... And this ain't bad! 👏🏻 #AFLBluesTigers https://t.co/1PaHXSf6I3

— Patrick Dangerfield (@dangerfield35) March 23, 2017

Carlton's banner last night .... #AFLBluesTigers pic.twitter.com/ex404LwEQU

— Peter Brown (@SydneyEditor) March 23, 2017

#AFLBluesTigers If you're going to do a banner like this, you need to back it up with a credible on-field performance. Carlton haven't. pic.twitter.com/jXIdw5TJpO

— Michael Shillito (@tealfooty) March 23, 2017

I see Carlton are going down the Doggies funny banner route. Comes off a bit forced when you are the least funny & self-aware club in footy.

— MILLENNIAL SISYPHUS (@dogactsforever) March 23, 2017

Carlton paid an ad agency for that banner. Should be asking for their money back #shocker #doesntevenrhyme #AFLBluesTigers

— Erin Zilm (@zilmy) March 23, 2017

Cracking banner from Carlton before the season opener. Banner banter set high for 2017! #AFLBluesTigers pic.twitter.com/CQ1RQ7u3OR

— Dan Howe (@howedan) March 23, 2017

Carlton savaged the tiges with their banner, let's see if they back it up tonight #AFLBluesTigers

— Aaron Pinto (@theAaronPinto) March 23, 2017