Carlton has survived a third-quarter Richmond revival and its own kicking woes to record a 20-point win in the 2011 season opener at the MCG. The Blues dominated the first half and had 19 scoring shots to 7 at half time, but found themselves only 22 points in front.

Carlton will be without key defender Michael Jamison and on-baller David Ellard for the start of the season proper after they accepted bans from the AFL tribunal last night.

North Melbourne president James Brayshaw and his incumbent board have survived a challenge from businessman Peter de Rauch at the club’s fiery annual general meeting.

AFL players have vigorously defended their role in the community following former deputy Liberal leader Peter Costello’s remarks in a newspaper column that “any right-thinking parent would quake with fear” upon hearing a football player was attending their daughter’s school as a role model.

It would be absurd to say that anyone with even a casual knowledge of football should be surprised at Collingwood beating Essendon. Yet on Saturday the forecast with the majority was, “Essendon are fast, and will play an open game; Collingwood are slower, and will lose by the abolition of the ruck. Therefore Essendon will win.”

Carlton are in the midst of a hot series of matches on their own ground, for, having got through with South Melbourne and Essendon, they meet Geelong next Saturday.

Carlton’s second game on their new ground was far less auspicious than their opening day. For the onlookers there was no shelter, and for the players no hope – after the first quarter, at any rate.

The Geelong people, having realised their just desire that one at least of the finals should be played at Geelong, turned out in force on Saturday afternoon to see Essendon meet the local heroes.