Carlton slayed their third-term monkey and ensured there was no repeat of last year’s coach-killing loss, while heaping more misery on a free-falling North Melbourne, with a 50-point win at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
The listless Blues were beaten by seven goals when the teams last met in round 19 last year, all but stamping then coach David Teague’s card, but this is a more resourceful unit under Michael Voss.
Challenged by the Kangaroos in the second term, and leading by only eight points at half-time, the Blues booted 7.3 to 2.1 in a heated third quarter when Tarryn Thomas and Liam Stocker clashed heavily – the first time in seven matches this season the Blues have won the third term.
On song: Carlton’s Harry McKay, left, and Patrick Cripps celebrate. Credit:Getty Images
Stocker was soon subbed off with a shoulder injury, while frustrated Kangaroos forward Nick Larkey was reported for tunnelling Lewis Young. Larkey’s indiscretion led to a double 50-metre penalty and Jacob Weitering booting his first goal of the year.
While the struggling Kangaroos had only won one third term this year, the Blues’ response highlighted their greater maturity. The win improves their record to 5-2, ensuring they remain a top-four contender, while the Kangaroos slump to a 1-6 win-loss record. The Kangaroos have been the worst performed team in the league since 2020 and the pain is likely to continue.
The absence of the robust Marc Pittonet (PCL) for up to three months will hurt the Blues but perhaps not as much as many thought. While veteran Todd Goldstein was one of North’s best, the athletic Tom De Koning ensured the Blues still won the overall clearances and centre clearances.
Jack Martin, left, and Lachie Young in action.Credit:AFL Photos
Carlton captain Patrick Cripps, with 21 disposals, including seven clearances, to half-time, finished with 34 touches in a best-on-ground performance, strengthening his Brownlow Medal hopes. On a night the Blues were without midfielder George Hewett and late withdrawal Zac Williams (Achilles), Sam Walsh and Matthew Kennedy were also busy in the midfield, while Adam Saad generated tremendous yardage from half-back.
The height and size advantage that Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow had over Aiden Bonar and Josh Walker loomed large all night and, ultimately, proved decisive. The pair shared seven goals and 17 marks.
Blues deliver third-term barrage and heap more misery on Kangaroos
Source: Philippines Alive
