CARLTON has survived a scare to prevail by four points against Richmond.

Leading from the opening minute, the Blues were challenged in the second half, clinging on after a 27-point half-time lead to prevail 10.15 (75) to 9.17 (71).

Jagga Smith was brilliant for Carlton in his first win with 32 disposals (the same amount as Patrick Cripps), while the Blues had a spread of eight goal kickers.

There was a clear moving of the magnets for the Blues, with Matthew Carroll’s return to the side seeing him line up on the wing and Ollie Hollands across half-back. At the other end of the ground, Mitch McGovern swung forward, with almost immediate effect.

The Blues were winning the ball out of the middle regularly in the opening term, with their marking targets reaping the benefits. McGovern himself kicked two goals, while Brodie Kemp and Harry McKay also hit the scoreboard with crafty work at ground level - although there was some confusion over McKay’s opener, with Ben Ainsworth making it a sure thing just as the Sherrin past the paint.

The story of the first quarter was clearly Jagga Smith, who couldn’t have been more impressive in his first outing at the MCG. At the venue where his mum Kimelle has worked “basically all her life” (in her son’s words), Smith was everywhere, accumulating 15 disposals (originally 16, before a late recount) and seven score involvements to be the most influential player on the ground.

Carlton took a 19-point lead into the first change, but could’ve been excused for thinking it could and potentially should have been more, missing chances going forward in the second half of the term.

Richmond continued to press early in the second term, having the momentum and drawing within 13 points at one point, before McKay steadied the ship in front of goal.

Ollie Florent was a composed head behind the ball, accumulating nine disposals for the quarter, as his best mate Will Hayward joined in on the act by kicking his first MCG goal in Navy Blue.

Marc Pittonet continued his strong start to the season in a first half that yielded 12 disposals, five clearances and seven score involvements (including a goal), as the Blues gained the ascendancy in the second half of the quarter.

After re-signing earlier in the week, Cooper Lord kicked a crucial goal on the eve of half time, before Harry Dean had a key moment with a telling spoil on the last line to thwart a Richmond attack. It meant the Blues took a 27-point lead into the main break.

The Blues looked to take the initiative in the third, but missed a pair of gettable chances in the early minutes - and the Tigers made them pay.

Richmond kicked the only two goals of the third quarter as the ball lived inside their forward half, with Carlton unable to clear its defensive lines.

It meant the game was delicately poised at the last change, with the Blues only managing 0.4 for the term to take a 12-point lead into the last term.

When Richmond kicked the opening goal of the final quarter, memories of last year’s corresponding fixture loomed large.

But after being swung forward late, Zac Williams was the man for the moment, nailing a set shot from the pocket after a strong mark to give the Blues breathing room.

It wasn’t without some more nervy moments, when Tom Lynch converted from a free kick that had the crowd of both sides in full voice.

The Blues were able to see the game out, with a late intercept mark from Lewis Young and repeat stoppages meaning the Blues held on for their first win of the season.

CARLTON         6.4     9.9     9.13       10.15 (75)
RICHMOND      3.3     5.6     7.12       9.17 (71)

GOALS

Carlton: McGovern 2, McKay 2, Hayward, Hewett, Kemp, Lord, Pittonet, Williams