Tigers unfurl 2019 and 2020 flags ... and state case for 2021

On a night footy fans returned in celebration to the MCG, reigning premiers Richmond roared away from Carlton late in an enthralling contest to open 2021 with a 25-point win.

Richmond’s Dustin Martin takes control in the fourth quarter at the MCG last night. Picture: Michael Klein

On a night footy fans returned in celebration to the MCG, reigning premiers Richmond roared away from Carlton late in an enthralling contest to open 2021 with a 25-point win.

In a sense, so much was familiar as the premiership favourites claimed a 15.15 (105) to 11.14 (80) triumph. The Tigers extended their winning streak over the Blues to 11 as they won the season-opening match yet again.

Of all the champions they possess, it was the extraordinary Dustin Martin who elevated himself above the rest yet again in a dazzling display.

Watch the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Every match of every round Live on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

The crowd noise was deafening at times, even with only 49,812 in attendance given current capacity restrictions. When Martin had the ball, it seemed like 100,000 were roaring for him.

But just hearing fans, either delighted or disgusted, was a welcome joy after the despair of last season where matches were played behind closed doors in Victoria, and then not at all from July.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan predicted the return of footy to the MCG would help the heart of the city start thumping again at its regular rhythm.

It seemed to be thumping on Thursday. Bars and restaurants from Southbank to Federation Square were filled to the brim, with flecks of the yellow and black and navy blue everywhere.

Throughout a drought lasting 37 years, winning just one flag seemed an unrealistic dream for Richmond.

Richmond’s 2020 premiership flag is unfurled at the MCG before the season opener

On Thursday night they had the unique chance to celebrate two, with Richmond president Peggy O’Neal overseeing the unfurling of the 2019 and 2020 premiership flags.

Less than five months after his grand final heroics against Geelong at the Gabba, Martin started 2021 in ominous form when clearly the most influential player afield.

He was lively when used through the midfield but, critically, extremely dangerous when playing forward and finished with two goals while creating several other opportunities. He was later credited with six score assists.

The Tigers’ maturity and strength was initially vital in their ability to stay with the Blues initially and then seize the upper hand.

With the lengths of quarters reverting back to 20 minutes, fitter, stronger teams are expected to be favoured in 2021.

Richmond kicked nine goals to Carlton’s one in the time-on period in quarters, with their endurance clearly a factor in their success given the final margin.

Two 50m penalties that led to second term goals for Tigers Jack Riewoldt and Josh Caddy proved costly for Carlton.

Blues fans were outraged at the pedantry, with the second the first punished under the new man on the mark rule, given they appeared minor breaches.

Even the captain of their biggest suburban rival, Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury, called for “common sense” to be used.

One Richmond player not at the game was three-time premiership skipper Trent Cotchin, who was a late withdrawal due to illness.

Jack Ross had the distinction of being the Tigers’ first substitute under a rule introduced on Wednesday night, while Marlion Pickett was elevated into the team to replace his captain.

Former Demon Oscar McDonald, who was going to play amateur football until Carlton offered a lifeline, was named the Blues’ reserve for the season opener.

He earned a chance in the third quarter in place of Jack Silvagni, who had a shoulder problem, and kicked a goal almost immediately.

Another from McDonald in the fourth term kept the Blues hopes alive in what was an extremely encouraging cameo.

Richmond and Carlton do battle at the MCG in front of nearly 50,000 fans

The response of the crowd to being back at the footy was spirited, as evidenced in the rancour when Harry McKay flattened Nick Vlastuin on the half-forward flank early on.

Vlastuin was later substituted from the match in the third term with a right knee issue, allowing Ross to be deployed for the sprint to the finish.

The sights of the game were brilliant. Martin was as creative as ever. Patrick Cripps ripped straight through Tigers on occasion.

The pace was fast, the contest furious and there were magical moments.

The game certainly felt more open. A one match sample is too small to measure whether this was attributable to the tweak in the man on the mark rule.

It may well be simply due to the class and skilful ball use of the Tigers, and the determination to attack Carlton displayed.

Either way, it was a pleasing display, but the real celebration was seeing fans enjoying their game once again.