Blues, Tigers to resume rivalry in MCG clash
Once the most fierce rivalry in football, the storied Richmond-Carlton feud has largely been defined by streaks of dominance over the last two decades.
The Blues' dominance from 2007-2013 produced 12 wins in 14 games, culminating in a memorable elimination-final fightback that broke Tiger hearts.
But that famous tussle was followed by a run of 11 consecutive Richmond victories over their old adversaries, as the yellow-and-black army revelled in a period of premiership-laden success.
Now, with the sides occupying spots at opposite ends of the ladder, high-flying Carlton appear set to cash in on their old rivals' struggles with form and fitness.
But third-year coach Michael Voss, who has a 2-1-1 record in charge of the Blues against Richmond, is taking nothing for granted ahead of Sunday's encounter at the MCG.
"When I first got appointed, the only game I needed to win was round one (against Richmond), and we did that and we were flag favourites in round two," Voss said.
"It changes quickly here, that's what I learnt very early in my first three games.
"That also speaks to the history and how it's been built up for a long period of time - for decades really.
"But in most recent times, Richmond has done a number on us a number of times and they've always been really close games.
"What's special about rivalry games is that it doesn't matter where you are, you'll get the best version of whatever that is."
Richmond's best has rarely been sighted this season amid a raft of injuries to key players in a regenerating side.
Jacob Hopper returns to bolster the midfield against Carlton's high-powered engine room, but key forward Tom Lynch is sidelined with another hamstring injury.
The Tigers have been buoyed by the return of Dustin Martin after the mid-season bye, with the superstar shrugging off rumours of a possible retirement after his 300th AFL game in round 14.
Mid-season draftee Jacob Blight, a 22-year-old defender from Peel Thunder, will make his AFL debut.
Carlton welcome back Adam Cerra after the midfielder overcame his latest hamstring setback, and will celebrate Zac Williams's 150th AFL game.
The much-loved defender has shone in attack in recent weeks, kicking 10 goals in the past five games.
"He brings plenty of life for us, plenty of energy and he's looking to take these opportunities," Voss said.
"He's extremely grateful for what he's got in front of him."
Richmond have won just two games this season and first-year coach Adem Yze is wary of a Carlton side that posted its highest score of 2024 in an impressive win over Geelong last time out.
It led to a fourth straight victory that kept the Blues in second spot on the ladder.
"That's probably the best footy they've played this season, so we're coming up against a quality team that's in good form," Yze said.
"Our players can't wait to get out there on Sunday and really put forward what we've been training.
"The last month we've felt like we've been pretty consistent. We were disappointed with our Hawthorn performance (in round 14), but we're looking forward to (taking on) a big rival (in front of) a big crowd."
