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Carlton Blues vs Richmond Tigers AFL Tips - Expect a reaction from the Blues in Round 1

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: Tue 10 Mar 2026 13:45

Adam Cusworth 10 Mar 2026

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Carlton Blues aim for redemption after 63-point loss to Sydney.
Richmond Tigers focus on youth, despite recent struggles.
Key players: Walsh, Cripps (Carlton); Taranto (Richmond).

Expired

Carlton Blues to bounce back (Getty Images)

Carlton Blues vs Richmond Tigers Preview
Head to Head Stats
Carlton Blues Hammered In 2026 Opener
Carlton Blues Team News
Richmond Tigers Begin New Season
Richmond Tigers Team News

Carlton Blues vs Richmond Tigers Preview

Carlton had a horror show in their Opening Round defeat to Sydney Swans, but they can put that 63-point loss behind them. Richmond still have a youthful mix and a tipped for defeat in a low scoring game.

Sam Walsh has averaged 30 disposals in his past four matches and comes off 32 last week
Tim Taranto has had 25+ disposals in four of his past five against Carlton, reaching 30+ in three of those
Carlton were 14th for scoring in 2025 and Richmond were last
The Tigers have lost 12 of their last 14 matches

Head to Head Stats

Richmond claimed the corresponding match last season by 13 points in what was a shock. It was Tim Taranto that starred with 30 disposals, while Patrick Cripps had 32 for the Blues.

Carlton won the two matches prior to that in 2024 with Cripps playing a major role. He has averaged 32 disposals in his past four matches against the Tigers.

Carlton Blues Hammered In 2026 Opener

Carlton opened the 2026 season with a 63-point loss to Sydney at the SCG and had no answers after half time, conceding 18 goals, including 12 in the third quarter.

Despite a strong midfield showing, they were unable to match the Swans’ territory control and forward pressure. Sam Walsh collected 32 disposals and Jagga Smith picked up 27, while Marc Pittonet snagged three goals.

The Blues’ pre-season showed promise with wins over Brisbane in Match Simulation and Geelong in the Community Series.

They will be keen to atone for a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them end in 11th spot on the ladder with a 9-14 win-loss record.

Carlton Blues Team News

Carlton enter Round 1 with a largely settled lineup after getting through Opening Round without any major injuries.

The only concern is Adam Saad, who is managing hamstring tightness and will need to prove his fitness during the week.

The Blues’ core remains intact. Sam Walsh, Patrick Cripps and George Hewett will again drive the midfield rotation, while Jacob Weitering will anchor the defence. The key will be finding scoreboard conversion with the new look forward set up since Charlie Curnow parted ways with the club.

Richmond Tigers Begin New Season

Richmond entered 2025 firmly committed to a rebuild after shedding a large portion of their premiership-era experience.

The Tigers finished 17th on the ladder with a 5-18 record as they prioritised youth and development across the season.

Their pre-season build-up showed flashes of promise but also highlighted the growing pains associated with a young list, going down to Essendon in Match Simulation then Melbourne in the Community Series in a weather interrupted and shortened match.

Tom Lynch booted two goals in the game against the Demons, while Sam Lalor showed promise with some neat clearance work in the middle.

Richmond Tigers Team News

Midfielder Josh Smillie is expected to miss the early rounds with a quad strain, opening opportunities for other young midfielders to take on greater responsibility around stoppage.

Noah Balta is expected to play a key role in defence alongside Ben Miller, while the Tigers’ midfield mix continues to evolve with emerging players rotating through centre bounces.

Their forward line remains mobile rather than key-position heavy, relying on pressure and ground-level speed to create scoring opportunities.

Verdict

Carlton Blues v Richmond Tigers

Blues bounce back with Walsh to find plenty of the footy, Taranto for Richmond amongst the disposals.

Carlton Blues

Handicap -18.5

@9/10 - 1 Unit

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Sam Walsh

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Tim Taranto

To Have 25+ disposals

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One of Australia's top tipsters, Adam provides tips for horse racing every day of the week as well as AFL previews. He is one of the top ranked experts on the Great Tip Off each month and has featured on Blackbook, Punters, Racingbase and many more.