Dustin Martin goaled with seconds left to ensure the 14.14 (98) to 12.14 (86) blockbuster win last night at the MCG.

Given the recent history between these two teams, there would have been big questions about the Tigers had they blown this match.

But Ben Griffiths, who had made a couple of bad errors earlier in the match, took a game- saving mark deep in defence.

The Tigers then moved the ball up the ground and Martin worked his way around Zach Tuohy to kick the match-sealing goal.

Carlton had won 11 of its previous 12 matches against Richmond and came back in all three of its games last year.

Most recently, the Blues overcame a 26-point lead to win the elimination final.

So there was a strong sense of deja vu when the Blues roared back in the second half.

It was a brave rally from Carlton, which was without Chris Judd and late withdrawal Matthew Kreuzer.

But it was wasteful, kicking 3.7 in the last term with two more shots that went out on the full.

Richmond grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck in the first nine minutes, kicking four goals.

Carlton managed to restrict the damage, but still trailed by 23 points at the first change.

The Tigers were full of run and Carlton was also making too many turnovers.

Blues coach Mick Malthouse made a crucial move, putting Andrejs Everitt on to Tigers utility Brett Deledio.

After a strong first quarter, Deledio struggled to have an impact.

Martin was booked in the second quarter after a scuffle with Carlton's Simon White.

The Tigers twice led by 37 points in the second quarter.

But a strong tackle from Jarrad Waite set up Yarran's second goal and the Blues trailled by 31 points at the main break.