The Blues overwhelmed the Tigers in the second half to win 0.6.5 (41) to 0.3.5 (23).
Carlton trailed by 15 points at half time after Richmond shot out of the blocks, with Mitch Morton standing up in a forward line missing Jack Riewoldt with two goals.
However the dominance of Robbie Warnock in the ruck against Andrew Browne and inexperienced draftee Tom Derickx gave the Blues the impetus they needed to pull away after the break.
Mitch Robinson opened the half with his second goal, which gave the Blues a spark and saw them follow up with another to Rohan Kerr.
As the Richmond defensive structure fell apart, Kerr quickly earned another shot at goal but failed to capitalise, even when the umpire paid a free kick and gave him another kick.
He found his accuracy minutes later when he ran in directly in front and gave the Blues the lead for the first time.
Acting captain Kade Simpson pushed the lead six points further at the 12-minute mark before David Ellard nailed the sealer with four minutes to go.
Carlton was missing Chris Judd, Ryan Houlihan, Jeff Garlett, Matthew Kreuzer, Brock McLean and Michael Jamison while Richmond was without Chris Newman, Brett Deledio, Trent Cotchin and Daniel Jackson.
The absence of the big guns saw players like Nick Duigan, former Geelong defender Jeremy Laidler, Ellard and Kane Lucas stand up for the Blues, and David Astbury and Pat Contin for the Tigers.
Of the more experienced heads, Carlton's Marc Murphy was in fine touch and Andrew Walker had seven touches playing in attack, while Tigers Shane Tuck (nine disposals) and acting skipper Jake King worked hard.
Carlton 0.1.1 0.6.5 (41)
Richmond 0.3.4 0.3.5 (23)
GOALS
Carlton: Nine-point goals: Nil Goals: Robinson 2, Kerr 2, Simpson, Ellard
Richmond: Nine-point goals: Nil Goals: Morton 2, Connors
BEST
Carlton: Warnock, Murphy, Ellard, Duigan, Laidler, Scotland, Yarran
Richmond: Connors, Tuck, Astbury, Morton, Contin
