AFL / David Murdoch / 28 March 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

David Murdoch previews the big Thursday night game when the Tigers meet the Blues and has a sneaking suspicion it could be the boys from Tigerland who will get over the line.

The Carlton Football Club has a buzz about it this season.

They can smell success just around the corner and there are plenty who believe the Blues can do more than just run with the pack and win the flag.

Carlton boasts the most star-studded midfield in the league with Murphy, Judd and Gibbs, and yet on paper, at least, remain a key forward, and fit and firing back-man, short of a flag.

That said, Betfair punters have Judd high up in Brownlow medal betting once again.

Forget about their winless pre-season. With big names come big expectations and the Blues' faithful is desperate for their side to deliver. Nothing short of a comprehensive victory over the Tigers in their season opener will suffice.

The Richmond Football Club also believes its headed for big things, and while they are a couple of years in development behind the Blues, they're definitely on the way up.

Fifteenth in 2010 and 12th in 2011...could 2012 be the year they vie for the top eight?

Richmond may have won three of their last four matches, but they have lost their last seven matches against Carlton by an average of 57 points. Over-riding this is a simple but compelling fact: the Tigers would love to start their season with a big scalp. Well, another one, if you count the morale-boosting win over an under-strength Cats during the NAB Cup.

Yes, the Tigers were very strong over the ball in the pre-season which shows
intent, but whether they can match it with the top-four sides will be Damien Hardwick's biggest test.

He won't have long to find out either: Richmond faces 2011 finalists Carlton, Collingwood, Geelong and West Coast in the first five weeks of the season.
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* Richmond have lost 8 of their last 9 matches against Carlton
* Carlton have won 3 of their last 4 matches at MCG
* Richmond have lost 5 of their last 6 matches at home
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The Tigers promise to be one of the more entertaining sides in the comp with Jack Riewoldt always on show up forward and the newly signed Brett Deledio also primed to ignite after finally being released from the backline.

Expect Richmond to fire from the first bounce and be very physical. Whether or not they can maintain the rage for four quarters against the Blues hard-running midfield will be their true test.

What will be of interest this season is how Brett Ratten manages his list and who he rotates through the forward line. If Jarrad Waite can find goal-kicking form, expect him to stay there. With Blues fullback Jamieson due back from injury in round three, the forward options will be the key to the Blues season, and also perhaps to their winning chances against the Tigers.

Given their brutal draw, expect the Tigers to throw everything at this one, so I am tipping a determined effort from the outsiders Richmond to get them home by a kick.