Richmond was brave but Carlton ultimately had too much firepower on Saturday, handing the Tigers their fourth straight VFL loss, 15.12 (102) to 10.7 (67).

It was Lachie Fogarty who got the Blues off to a great start, kicking a goal inside the first 90 seconds of the contest. Jordan Boyd also capitalised on a 50-metre penalty and Carlton was away to a rapid start, leading by 14 points.

In a heartwarming moment, it was Judson Clarke, on return from an ACL injury, who kicked the first goal for the Tigers with a brilliant checkside from the boundary. Teammates came from everywhere to get to him, giving Richmond a necessary lift after a slow start.

Nick Collier also kicked a great set shot from hard up on the boundary, cutting the margin to two points, before a costly turnover handed Darcy Tucker a goal.

Carlton threatened to open up a handy buffer but Richmond always responded and trailed by just three points at quarter-time. It was the Blues who started the second term much better though, turning up the heat and kicking three straight goals.

Tiger cub Harry Armstrong signalled his return with a strong mark and important goal, before Coller and Josh Pollocks kicked goals, getting Richmond right back in the game.

Moments later Samson Ryan gave Richmond the lead on the stroke of half-time, taking a two-point advantage into the second half. The Tigers kept their momentum rolling with Ryan and James Milner kicking truly just after half-time to give the Richmond its biggest lead of the game, up by 13 points.

The Tigers had a couple more great opportunities to kick goals, but couldn’t convert as the Blues trimmed the margin back to just two points. It was anyone’s game with a quarter to play as Richmond clung on to a very slender lead.

Carlton soon had the lead with Cooper Lord kicking his first goal of the day, as the Blues kicked six consecutive goals and kept the Tigers scoreless for most of the final term, running out 35-point winners.

Clarke and Armstrong both made successful returns for Richmond from long-term injuries, but Kaleb Smith suffered a concussion.

The challenges that don't get any bigger for the Tigers, taking on the top of the table Geelong at GMBHA Stadium next Saturday afternoon. 

Richmond   4.1   8.3   10.6   10.7 (67)

Carlton   4.4   7.7   9.10   15.12 (102)

Goalkickers: Collier 2, Ryan 2, Pollocks, Peucker, Milner, Armstrong, Clarke, Burton