Rhyan Mansell AFL Photos via Getty Images
Richmond’s Fourth-Quarter Comeback Shocks Carlton
The opening match of the 2025 AFL season at the MCG played out as a riveting battle because Richmond executed a sensational final-period comeback to beat Carlton 82-69 before a rowdy stadium crowd. The Tigers went on a surge in the last quarter against their opponents after an initial complex match performance when Seth Campbell spectacularly delivered their victory.
Fans of Richmond celebrated their remarkable team performance because Fox Footy commentators labeled the victory “a win for the ages” following their last-minute comeback against Carlton.
Tom Lynch’s High Shot on Tom De Koning
The major highlight of the match became Richmond’s win, but Carlton fans now focus on the high contact between Tom Lynch and Tom De Koning. Lynch caused the incident while playing in the fourth quarter by striking De Koning while flying at him and knocking him to the ground.
The quick recovery of De Koning allowed him to avoid any concussion assessments. However, AFL commentators used this incident to debate the degree of Lynch’s hit and its possible effects.
Matt Hill of Fox Footy pointed to the intense nature of the collision when he stated, “He just gets Tom De Koning right on the jaw.” AFL analyst David King warned that Lynch must maintain calm until the MRO rules because past circumstances linked to such hits have historically resulted in game suspensions.
Tom Lynch hits Tom de Koning high. Fox Footy
AFL’s Likely Ruling on Lynch’s Hit
Lynches hit is expected to receive a specific verdict from the AFL Match Review Officer.
AFL reporter Mitch Cleary forecasted a possible one-game suspension for the incident based on how the MRO would officially classify it as “careless, high contact with medium impact” per league rules.
According to former All-Australian Leigh Montagn, he sees it as extremely difficult for Lynch to avoid suspension. The Australian Football League intends to demonstrate that Lynch possessed alternative methods to resolve the situation. The league has strengthened its focus on high hits since 2019 because it prioritizes player protection and preventing traumatic brain injuries.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Richmond
The upcoming suspension of Lynch would create a significant setback for Richmond as they enter the following round of the season schedule. The Tigers will consider multiple strategies for the upcoming games should Lynch receive a ban while waiting for replacement players to show their potential.
Days later, the late surge against Carlton proves that Richmond plans to bid strongly for this season’s finals position. Carlton must quickly devise a strategy to fix their late-game failures because such performances threaten their success in upcoming fixtures.
The AFL season kicked off between Richmond and Carlton when players delivered spectacular action, intense battling, and a concerning blow to the head that could produce future penalties. All eyes remain focused on whether the MRO will take action regarding Tom Lynch, while the 2025 AFL season has shown immediate excitement from fans.
