Richmond midfielder Shane Tuck says a dominant first half performance in the clearances was the catalyst behind Richmond’s thrilling five point win over the Blues on Thursday  night.

The Tigers’ midfield won the clearances in the first half 22-13, including 10-5 from centre clearances.

Tuck said the midfield group had set out to make a statement against the high-profile Carlton on-ballers.

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“The contested ball in the first half I think we were 19 up or something like that and clearances we were nine up, so we were really good there,” Tuck told Crocmedia’s AFL Live after the match.

“We fell away at the last bit there, but it seems to be a game where you win the contested ball and you win the clearances then you win the game.

“I don’t know where we finished in the end, but we need to concentrate on those two things, even the tackles as well.”

The Tigers led by 42 points midway through the third quarter, but Tuck said there were no fitness concerns at the club, despite the late rally from the Blues.

“I think we are (fit enough),” Tuck said.

“I don’t know, they just pushed a bit harder than us at the last bit there … maybe a few guys just thought we had the win, because we were 36 points up at three quarter time.

“So maybe guys just eased off the pedal a little bit.”