Umpires: N.Nash & A.Bryant

Goalkickers: W.Johnston 5, K.Hunter 5, P.Meldrum 4, W.Ralph 3, W.Blackwell 2, R.Austin, J.Buckley, A.Marcou, D.Glascott 1.

Best: W.Johnston, G.Southby, V.Perovic, B.Doull, J.Buckley, M.Maclure, K.Hunter

Reports: Injuries: D.English (leg)

Game Review

Richmond bore the brunt of Carlton's revenge for a shock defeat the previous week. The Tigers stuck with the Blues for three quarters, but were blown away by eight goals to two n the last term as 'The Dominator'; Wayne Johnston, starred on his favourite stage in the centre of the MCG. Johnston and Ken Hunter both booted five goals for Carlton, but champion full-back Geoff Southby was clearly Best on Ground in one of his last games.

This third big win in four matches lifted Carlton back to second on the ladder, behind the only undefeated team, Hawthorn. Geelong came back to the field when they suffered a shock loss to North Melbourne,and Sydney beat Collingwood. After four rounds, the top five teams were Hawthorn, Carlton, Essendon, Geelong and Sydney.

Carlton's victory against Richmond at the MCG on Saturday was its eighth in 10 encounters with the Tigers since David Parkin took over as the Blues coach in 1981. Saturday's game followed a similar pattern to last year's Sterling Cup grand final and the 1982 Grand Final - both won in convincing fashion by Carlton. Once again, Richmond threw everything at the Blues early on in a desperate bid to unsettle them. But the Blues, to their credit, again answered every challenge and emerged victorious. - Tony Greenberg Inside Football.

At the MCG, veteran Carlton defender, Geoff Southby, was cool as ice in the last line of defence. Like the Southby of yesteryear, he repeatedly thwarted Richmond advances and sent the Blues back into attack in a masterly display. He was well supported by Wayne Johnston and Ken Hunter. - Inside Football Player of the Year.

Carlton it would seem, made an excellent choice when Wayne Johnston was nominated skipper before the start of the season. Johnston showed tremendous courage and leadership qualities against Richmond on Saturday, just as he did against Geelong in a losing side in the previous week. Johnston never quits and he is a well-known finals performer. He is now one of the most inspiring captains and big game players in the VFL. - Jim Main Inside Football.

Being Captain brings out the best in the Blues
There must be something about the Carlton captaincy that brings out the best in players......... Down through the years, the Blues have had some mighty skippers - players such as John Nicholls, Alex Jesaulenko, Robert Walls and Mike Fitzpatrick. Current Carlton captain, Wayne Johnston, loses nothing in comparision. "Dominator" was in superb touch against us on Saturday, booting five goals and setting up several others with clever play. Just before half-time, Wayne was injured and carried off the ground by trainers. It looked as though that was the end of the match for him but, unfortunately for us, it was not to be. He led the Blues out after the half time break and continued to inspire them with his own brand of football magic. At some clubs in the past the added responsibility of being captain has affected the skipper's form. That, however, is certainly not the case at Carlton. - Michael Roach Inside Football.

Super Southby
You can't keep a good man down...... Carlton's champion veteran full back, Geoff Southby, returned to his brilliant best form against Richmond at the MCG om Saturday. The previous week, Geoff had lowered his colours to Geelong spearhead, Mark Jackson and was placed under the football microscope by a number of critics. Seems that once a veteran player puts in one bad one, he's gone in the eyes of the critics and should hung up the boots. Well, I can tell you, from first-hand experience, that it was the Geoff Southby of old on Saturday which was great for Carlton - but bad for us. - Michael Roach Inside Football.

Opponents in so many finals in recent VFL history, the Blues waled away with the points in this, their first clash of season '84. And an easy four points it was in the end, too. Wayne Johnston led by example at the MCG. After a top first half, injury forced him off until the final term. The Tigers pressed to within eight points, then Johnston returned, the Blues lifted and ran riot in the last 20 minutes or so. For the victors, Wayne Johnston and Ken Hunter rounded off a miserable day for the Tiger defence, kicking five goals apiece. - Football Record.

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