CARLTON overcame an early deficit to record a hard-fought seven-point win over Richmond in an entertaining contest at IKON Park.

In a performance that featured strong individual performances and an impressive second-half fightback from the Blues, the match also marked the return of Nick Haynes from injury, with the experienced defender playing the first half and getting through unscathed.

Despite trailing by as much as 26 points at half time, it was a commanding second-half performance from the Blues in the 10.17 (77) to 10.10 (70) win.

Richmond started the game strongly, kicking the opening goal within the first minute to immediately put Carlton under pressure. The Tigers controlled the early stages, but the Blues soon responded with a moment of quality ball movement. Jordan Boyd delivered a superb kick to Flynn Young, who launched a long-range effort from beyond 50 metres to kick Carlton’s first goal of the afternoon.

Young’s goal helped settle the Blues and Ashton Moir soon made an impact. Moir had been busy early, finding plenty of the football, and he capped off his strong start by kicking Carlton’s second goal to cut the margin to six points.

Wade Derksen was also influential in defence during the opening term, intercepting multiple Richmond attacks and helping to steady Carlton under pressure, while Ben Camporeale was lively around the contest as well, gathering plenty of disposals and applying strong defensive pressure.

Despite Carlton’s efforts, Richmond maintained control for much of the quarter and went into the first break leading 4.3 (27) to 2.4 (16).

Carlton responded early in the second quarter through Boyd. After taking an intercept mark just outside 50, Boyd received a 50-metre penalty, and he made no mistake with the set shot.

Soon after, another Richmond infringement resulted in a 50-metre penalty, this time sending Liam Reidy to around 30 metres from goal. Reidy converted truly to briefly put the Blues back in front.

However, Richmond responded strongly, kicking the next two goals to regain the momentum. There were still some standout defensive moments from Carlton, including a brilliant chase by Matt Duffy that prevented an almost certain Richmond goal, while Blake Acres produced a desperate intercept to shut down another dangerous Tigers attack.

Despite those efforts, Richmond went into half time with a handy advantage, leading 8.7 (55) to 4.5 (29).

Carlton lifted noticeably after the main break and quickly began to claw back the deficit. Ashton Moir continued his impressive afternoon by kicking his second goal as the Blues opened the scoring for the third term.

Lucas Camporeale then produced a strong run down the wing before delivering the ball to Charlie Cotter, who finished calmly to kick his first goal and cut the margin to 13 points.

Momentum continued to build for the Blues, highlighted by a slick end-to-end passage of play that ended with Flynn Young kicking his second goal of the match. Rob Monahan also played an important role during this period, providing run and drive as Carlton began to dominate territory.

The Blues capped off an excellent quarter in dramatic fashion when Dane Harvey kicked truly right on the siren, giving Carlton the lead for the first time since early in the match. At the final break the Blues had surged ahead 8.13 (61) to 8.8 (56).

Carlton carried that momentum into the final quarter. Ollie Badr produced an impressive rundown smother on the wing before delivering the ball forward to Flynn Young, who kicked truly for his third goal of the afternoon. Shortly after, Ashton Moir snapped his third goal as well to extend Carlton’s lead to 10 points and put the Blues in a strong position.

Carlton secured a seven-point victory after a determined second-half comeback, made all the more impressive with both Nick Haynes and Wade Derksen coming from the ground as planned at half time.

Nick Haynes’ successful return from injury was another positive outcome from the day as the Blues finished strongly to claim the win.

CARLTON        2.4      4.5      8.13     10.17 (77)
RICHMOND     4.3      8.7      8.8       10.10 (70)

GOALS
Carlton: Moir 3, Young 3, Boyd, Cotter, Harvey, Reidy