Carlton vs Richmond AFL LIVE: ‘I tried to remember what you taught me’: Williams’ tribute to Blues great after match-winning goal

Carlton fans came to the MCG wanting a response. The answer they got was only partly what they were chasing.

The Blues won, but were unconvincing. That they won is, in some ways, the only thing that mattered.

But they kicked one goal for the second half, taking 54 minutes and 23 seconds between goals.

When that goal did come, it was kicked by Zac Williams, who had spent the game back in a running defender role only to be thrown forward when the Blues could not kick a goal.

Tigers spearhead Tom Lynch had the chance, in fact multiple chances, to put Carlton away but could not convert.

The full-forward had nine shots at goal for one goal, seven behinds and one out of bounds before he got a set shot 15 metres out from a free kick for a block by Lewis Young, and he finally converted. It brought the margin to less than one straight kick with one minute and 57 seconds to go.

After that goal, Jacob Weitering, who was among the best on ground, finally replaced Young on Lynch.

Carlton were able to hang on to win in the final two minutes. Inexperience got the better of Harry Armstrong with a minute to go, hurrying a ball long and kicking to an outnumber in the forward line.

With a few more games of experience, he might make a different decision.