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Never shy of bringing up the bizarre in his post-game press conference, Mick Malthouse was in typical form after the match against the Tigers. As an aside to praising his team after its gutsy 10-point win, Malthouse turned his attention to the birds on the MCG playing surface. Malthouse spoke to young Troy Menzel after the game about why he shanked one of his kicks at goal. Menzel blamed the birds, prompting Malthouse to call for some, yep, 'bird control': "This is something we've really got to look at. As he (Menzel) ran, a whole heap of birds flew up in front of him and he said it just put him straight off. We can't have sport like that on this ground, we've got to be able to eliminate that."

2. Jack's mixed day
A hush went around the MCG when Jack Riewoldt came up clasping his right knee after landing awkwardly in a final-quarter marking contest. Thankfully for the Tigers Riewoldt – after receiving some treatment – returned to action. Earlier, the Tiger spearhead started with a bang by kicking two goals in the opening term and being involved in Richmond's first four score involvements, opposed to Blues youngster Josh Bootsma. After the rot had sent in, Michael Jamison was swung on to Riewoldt and played a terrific role in blanketing the Tigers star. Riewoldt did not register a goal on Jamison, who continues to fly under the radar as a key defender who gets the job done each week.

3. Ellis learns the ropes
Richmond's Brandon Ellis was having a big impact on the contest with seven disposals, two goals, 100 per cent efficiency, three inside 50s and best afield honours in the first quarter. Everything appeared to be going his and his team's way, until Blues coach Mick Malthouse swung Dennis Armfield on to him. Ellis' influence quickly dissipated and the Blues managed to work themselves back in to the game. Armfield's tenacity and pressure seemed to get in Ellis' head, as he held him to just six possessions after quarter time. Ellis has had an impressive season, but he will learn a lot from today about what it takes to successfully shake a tag.

4. The V6 engine firing on all cylinders
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse declared Mitch Robinson was "running on four cylinders for a six cylinder car." Well, clearly Robinson was listening and felt he had a point to prove against the Tigers. Coming back in to the team after being dropped a fortnight ago, Robinson's second quarter was something to behold. His physicality around the contests was central to the Blues roaring back in to the game. Robinson is often criticised for being over the top, but he found the right amount of aggression against the Tigers and it showed in an impressive display.

5. Tiger stars quieted
It's not often that Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin are held in check. But that's exactly what happened against the Blues. Martin finished with just 10 disposals and no goals, while Cotchin managed just 14. Cotchin seemed to be a shadow of himself, struggling to have any real impact on the game. Ed Curnow did a tremendous job in a run with role, at times, while Zach Tuohy was the major nullifying influence on Martin.