Round 10, 1996 - Carlton vs Richmond

In what is building to be quite the modern day version of this old rivalry, Carlton has trumped Richmond in a thrilling encounter at the MCG, eventually holding off the Tigers by 11 points in front of almost 60,000 people.

Only one point separated both sides at the final change, but the reigning premiers had too much poise when push came to shove, and won 15.11 (101) to 13.12 (90).

Coach Robert Walls lays down the law

The match followed a similar script of their lone encounter in 1995, Carlton got the best of Richmond that day too, but not before both sides showcased some of their best footy for the year to try and get the four points.

Richmond structured up their side a little differently for their battle with the Blues, with one of the main changes being a move of Matthew Rogers to defence.

Rogers had provided plenty of run and dash closer to home for most of the season, but the move to half back would give him an even greater chance to use his pace with more field ahead of him.

The match featured a number of high-flying and courageous marks, with the ball ping ponging back and forth with great speed.

The tackling pressure from both sides was also red hot, adding to the frenetic nature of the game, but even with that added pressure, both sides were still able to play some high quality football when it was their turn to do so.

Another strategic move Walls deployed was using key defender Darren Gaspar to follow Carlton superstar Anthony Koutofides around.

Kouta was held to just 14 disposals for the game, with Gaspar's job a big reason why the Tigers were able to challenge their heavier fancied opponents for so long.

With just a few minutes remaining in the third term, Justin Charles goaled to put the Tigers ahead, but it would be the only lead that Richmond would enjoy for the remainder of the match as the Blues struck late in the quarter.

Matthew Richardson was Richmond's best, and was so good that the Blues had to rotate multiple opponents through him throughout the match. Richo finished with 21 disposals, 11 marks, 6.6 and the two Brownlow votes.

At the other end of the ground, although his opponent Stephen Kernahan kicked four goals, Brendon Gale had a great tussle with him and one on one probably had the better of the Carlton champ on the day, finishing with 19 disposals and 6 marks, most of which were intercepts.

Through the middle, Wayne Campbell continued his hot run of form after a slow start to the year, racking up 33 disposals which would be the most of any player on the ground.

The match also featured some milestones, with ex-Fitzroy pair Michael Gale and Paul Broderick both playing their 150th AFL games.

The loss moved Richmond to 9th on the AFL ladder.

Stats for the game courtesy of AFL Tables

A Fighting Fury player ratings - click here for explanation

Matthew Richardson	12
Wayne Campbell	11
Brendon Gale	10
Ashley Prescott	7
Chris Naish	7
David Bourke	6
Justin Charles	5
Matthew Rogers	5
Mark Merenda	5
Duncan Kellaway	4
Darren Gaspar	4
Chris Bond	4
Damien Ryan	4
Paul Broderick	3
Nick Daffy	3
Jamie Tape	2
Ben Holland	2
Michael Gale	1
Greg Dear	0
Jason Torney	0
John Howat	0