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| Venue: | Marvel Stadium, Docklands. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Date: | Friday 20th May, 2022 (7.50 pm). | ||||||||||||||||||
| Result: | Won by 15 points. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Crowd: | 44,769 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Goalkickers: | C. Curnow 6.1, C. Durdin 2.1, Z. Fisher 2.1, J. Motlop 1.3, M. Owies 1.2, P. Cripps 1.0, T. DeKoning 1.0, M. Kennedy 1.0, A. Cerra 0.1, S. Docherty 0.1, Rushed 0.2. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Reports: | Liam Stocker and Chad Warner were charged with wrestling each other during the second quarter, Stocker was fined $1500 with an early plea, and Warner $1000. Josh Kennedy was suspended for one week for striking Sam Docherty during the second quarter. |
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| Umpires: | Jamie Broadbent, Hayden Gavine, Nathan Williamson. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Injuries: | Nil. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ladder: | 3rd. | ||||||||||||||||||
Game Review
Charlie hits Swans for six as Blues make huge statement
Carlton holds off late Sydney surge to win a thriller at Marvel Stadium - By Callum TwomeyCharlie Curnow isn't just back. He's back, he's better than he's ever been and he's steering Carlton into genuine premiership contention. Carlton faced one of its sternest tests of the season this year on Friday night against Sydney, but the Blues came out on top as 15-point winners and Curnow once again the hero. The comeback Blue, who played four games in the past two seasons dealing with ongoing knee injuries, booted five goals in the first half and finished with six as the Blues won 15.12 (102) to 13.9 (87). With Harry McKay missing with a knee injury, Curnow stepped up in a best-on-ground performance to jump to the top of the Coleman Medal board at the start of round 10 as the Blues hung on against the surging Swans in the second half. Carlton jumped to a six-goal lead in the second quarter but it was whittled back after half-time in a high-scoring contest befitting of two top-four challengers. The Swans got back to within eight points midway through the last quarter before a clever kick by Blues forward Zac Fisher curled through for a goal to seal Carlton's thrilling win. Sam Walsh (34 disposals) and ex-Swan George Hewett (32, nine clearances) were exceptional, while Jacob Weitering outpointed Lance Franklin in defence, and Tom Papley kicked three goals for the Swans in a lively showing.
The end-to-end start kept up throughout, with Curnow's goal after the quarter-time siren bringing the Blues to within one point of the Swans at the first change. It was his second goal of the quarter, with his first a monster bomb from outside 50 that was the highlight of an entertaining start. Sydney's accuracy, thanks to Logan McDonald's two strong set shots, gave it the advantage with the Blues' inefficiency (3.5 to 4.0) costing them the lead. It clicked soon enough. In the opening 11 minutes of the second term, Carlton slammed on five straight goals in an onslaught the Swans couldn't cop. Corey Durdin started in with a dribbler, before Curnow chipped in with another two as he got on top of Tom McCartin. When Jesse Motlop threw the ball onto the outside of his foot from close range, the Blues had jumped to a 29-point lead in an instant. McDonald got another to pull it back, but then it was a fifth goal to Curnow – this one after the ball bounced perfectly at the back of the pack into his hands – to steady the Blues. Tom De Koning joined the party from the boundary line, Fisher snapped truly and when Durdin's work ethic was rewarded with another shot, the Blues had extended the lead to 38 points at the main break. The Swans put their foot on the pedal in the third quarter kicking five goals to two to reduce the margin to 17 points at the final change. They had turned the tide in the midfield and started to get on top around the ground, with Franklin's long on-the-run goal from the centre square a vintage major from the champion goalkicker. They continued to press in the final term but Carlton's buffer couldn't be breached in another significant win for coach Michael Voss.
Carlton's mosquito fleet turn it on.
It was another exciting night from the Blues' group of small forwards who terrorised the Swans' defence. Durdin (two goals, 12 disposals) was excellent with his ball use and pressure, while Matt Owies also created an impact with his defensive acts and capacity to keep the ball inside-50. Second-gamer Jesse Motlop also brought the crowd to its feet in an electric game and booted a goal, while Fisher kicked two goals, including the last, in another polished performance.
Huge collision costly for Kennedy
Sydney veteran Josh Kennedy looks set to miss a number of weeks after coming off second-best after a bizarre heavy collision with Sam Docherty in the second term. With Docherty about to mark, Kennedy crashed into him while contesting the mark and collected the former Carlton skipper with his elbow. Carlton players quickly ran in to remonstrate with Kennedy and a scuffle ensued, but Kennedy had come off worse as he grabbed for his hamstring. In striving to make the spoil, Kennedy appeared to have ripped his hamstring, hobbling from the field and then immediately substituted out of the game.
Best: C. Curnow, S. Walsh, J. Weitering, G. Hewett, A. Saad, C. Durdin.
Gritty Blues hold on for another win
Carlton produced a brutal second term to continue its unbeaten run in Melbourne. - By Rose Zarucky.Make that eight. Carlton produced a brutal second term to continue its unbeaten run in Melbourne, holding off a resilient Sydney outfit by 15 points under the roof. Charlie Curnow was once again at his best with six majors, while it was a nine-goal second term which did the damage in a Navy Blue victory.
Quarter one
It was a relatively even quarter from the two sides, with a lot of end-to-end play to start off the quarter. Luke Parker was the one who kickstarted the scoreboard for Sydney, while some missed opportunities for the Blues kept them from making full use of their territory. The Blues kicked five behinds for the term, with turnovers in the early going allowing the Swans opportunities to get the ball back on their terms. Carlton’s backline held up well against the rebounding ball, with Jacob Weitering keeping Lance Franklin quiet. Patrick Cripps was the one to get the Blues’ first major at the 13-minute mark of the quarter after some good work on the wing from Matthew Cottrell, while Sydney got the better of Carlton in the middle in the early stages: an area that usually results in scoring opportunities for the Blues. Corey Durdin showed some class and composure in the forward half, almost slotting a clever snap as well as setting up a monster goal for Charlie Curnow, who launched the ball from 55 metres out. Another Curnow goal on the siren put the Blues a point behind heading into the quarter-time break, despite having double the amount of scoring shots.
Quarter two
It was a dominant quarter for the Blues, kicking nine goals to the Swans’ three in what turned out to be a physical quarter. Durdin continued his impressive form, kicking a clever snap to open the term, putting the Blues ahead for the first time since a behind in the opening minute. Matt Kennedy, who ended the quarter on eight score involvements, slotted a goal for himself, while a busy Curnow kicked another three, making it five goals for the first half. Carlton definitely had the momentum in the term, getting the better of the possession and tackle count. A classy goal from the boundary off the boot of Tom De Koning had the Blues up and about, while Zac Fisher also contributed a running goal. Sam Walsh led the possession count with 21 disposals at half time, while Cripps led the clearances with five. It was simply a brutal quarter for the Blues, finishing with 19-5 inside 50s and ending the half with a contested possession differential of +29.
Quarter three
Sydney came out hot in the second half, recording the first five inside 50s and the first two goals of the term. Carlton struggled to get the ball into their forward half, losing possession just past the centre square as its opposition began to force turnovers. It was Curnow who kicked the Blues back into action, slotting his sixth for the night, before an opportunistic goal from Matt Owies settled the Blues. Nic Newman stood up against his old side, but the Swans slowly chipped away at the margin, kicking the final three goals of the term to leave the Blues with a 17-point lead heading into the final quarter.
Quarter four
Sydney picked up from where it left off, with Carlton unable to get a score on the board with the Swans’ backline intercepting well. Docherty continued to lead from the front for his teammates, setting up well behind the ball and using purposeful kicks to split the ground, producing a game-high 696 metres gained. De Koning’s marking was a saving grace for Carlton as an outlet further afield, in what was ultimately a bruising, physical encounter with the game on the line for both sides. The ability to cause a turnover inside the forward 50 was the deciding factor for the Blues, as Fisher swooped on a loose ball and sent one through the big sticks to leave a capacity Marvel Stadium crowd in raptures.
Three things from the game
1. Charlie Curnow has again continued his fine goal-kicking form, slotting six goals for the game to take his tally to 33 for the season. Without the presence of reigning Coleman Medallist Harry McKay, Curnow once again stood up and got the scoreboard reward this week, with five of his goals coming in the first half. He now sits atop the Coleman Medal leaderboard.
2. Matt Kennedy continued to be the unheralded presence in Carlton’s midfield. While Sam Walsh (34) and George Hewett (32) accrued the majority of possessions, Kennedy was at his combative best in the middle. With 13 of his 21 disposals being contested, he also registered 11 score involvements, getting bang for his buck in a crucial manner.
3. Corey Durdin had a strong impact in what was probably his best game in Navy Blue. Coming off a Rising Star nomination last week, Durdin contributed two goals, as well as six score involvements and some intense pressure in the forward half. Supported by Matt Owies and Jesse Motlop, the small forwards’ pressure continued to be a high-point of Carlton’s game, particularly in the first half with eight forward-50 tackles in the first two quarters.
Moment of the match
Zac Fisher. When Carlton needed someone to step up as Sydney continued to surge, it was the in-form No.25 who delivered. Already with a career-best tally for goals in a season, Fisher's 11th of the campaign may not go down his best of the season but could be the most important, delivering the Blues an eighth win.
Best: C. Curnow, J. Weitering, S. Walsh, G. Hewett, S. Docherty, M. Kennedy, Z. Fisher.
Hard work pays off for top-four Blues, Swan to miss 'quite a few weeks'
Michael Voss hasn't put a ceiling on how far the Blues can go after moving to 8-2 for the season - By Callum Twomey.Carlton is growing its top-four credentials with every week as a delighted Michael Voss praised his side for its impressive win over Sydney on Friday night. The Blues jumped the Swans in the first half at Marvel Stadium to take a 38-point lead into half-time and then held off the fast-finishing visitors to win by 15 points. It takes the club to 8-2 and positioned firmly inside the top rungs of the ladder in Voss' first season in charge, with the new coach and Brisbane great saying the form line was reflective of the work his side had put in. "I don't know where I thought we would be. And I say that in all seriousness because the very first thing that I didn't want to do was put a cap on where we needed to be and what we needed to do," Voss said. "We just had a lot of work ahead of us. But certainly with now the results that they are I couldn't ask for anything more I don't think and we're learning as we go which is a real bonus for us." Carlton will go into next week's clash with Collingwood strong favourites before its round 12 bye and it then faces rival Essendon in round 13, setting up the possibility of a 10-2 start to the campaign. Voss praised key defender Jacob Weitering for his performance on Sydney superstar Lance Franklin, with the Carlton defender vital in stopping some of the Swans' last-term surges. "He was amazing. I'm not into sitting here and lauding individuals, we all take a really selfless approach with what we try to promote inside the four walls, but you've got to acknowledge when it's right in front of you. He was amazing. He looked so safe and sure and strong," Voss said. Meanwhile, Swans veteran Josh Kennedy is set for a long stint on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury. Kennedy, who turns 34 next month and is out of contract this year, was substituted out of the game in the second term with the injury and faces a significant layoff. "They said it was a bad hamstring. I don't think there's ever such thing as a good hamstring but if they say it's a bad hamstring it's going to be quite a few weeks you'd imagine," Swans coach John Longmire said post-game. Longmire lamented the Swans' second term as the key point in the contest, but was otherwise satisfied with his side's effort against the Blues. "Our second quarter went down by 39 points but won the other three quarters, won the inside 50 count 37-16 in the second half and didn't have the last finishing that we needed and required in that last quarter," he said. "It felt like we were coming home really hard and to our players' credit they didn't give up at half-time even though Carlton was fantastic in that second quarter."
What they said: Voss on Weitering, De Koning, Docherty and more
Michael Voss speaks on some individual Blues who shone in Round 10. - By Cristian Filippo.It was the performance of the collective which got the job done for Carlton on Friday night. However, there were some individual performances and moments which shone through in crucial stages of the Round 10 contest which ensured a Navy Blue victory in their Sir Doug Nicholls Round opener against Sydney. Here's what AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss had to say on a number of his players.
On Jacob Weitering’s individual performance:
“He was amazing. “I’m not into sitting here and lauding individuals: we all take a really selfless approach with what we try and promote inside the four walls — but you’ve got to acknowledge it when it’s right in front of you. “He was amazing. The amount of ball that was coming in, he looked so safe and sure and strong. “If anyone had a will to win at the end, it was him.”
On his first impressions of Charlie Curnow:
“I hadn’t seen a lot of Charlie, to be honest with you. He hasn’t put a foot wrong since we got here. “He’s fortunate that he was able to get some work in at the back-end of last year and play some footy. That has held him in good stead. “He’d be the first to say he was lacking some confidence early. But as he has regained that confidence, we’re seeing all the attributes that he brings.”
On Sam Docherty’s recovery after a big contest:
“The players acknowledged it after the match. They spoke to him about the effort to firstly go for the ball, but then be able to go out and keep playing on. “We shouldn’t say it’s what we expect from him, but it’s becoming the norm for him. “He keeps overcoming any challenges coming his way and he’s having a great year. The players love playing with him and we draw a lot of energy off him.”
On standing up in the absence of a few:
“We haven’t spoken about it internally. What I love is we’ve just got on with it. “That’s been the approach of this group. Maybe in moments like these, it stands out: they’re not looking for what’s not working. “They’re trying to stick together and trying to play selfless footy. We’re finding our way through those moments which is exceptionally pleasing.”
On Tom De Koning’s continued development:
“There were some big down-the-line balls that he needed to impact, and he was able to influence which was fantastic. “Sometimes you get young guys who you give responsibility and they just step up. It’s amazing under that responsibility, how much they thrive. He’s going to keep getting better and better and the relationship he’s building with the mids is only going to get stronger.”
On the zip of the small forwards:
“As a byproduct of some injuries to our talls, yes it has been out of necessity. But we’ve been okay with that. “What we’ve been able to do was get the ball on the ground and we feel like when we get it there in our front half, our smalls go to work. They’re fast and zippy and provide some challenges for the opposition. “We feel like it’s a real strength of ours. They’ll continue to grow with the more games they play together. “We’re talking about guys that have played very little football together. The fact they’re going out and playing like that in games like this with a crowd like that, the learning will go through the roof.”
Welcome mat for George
Perhaps it was the small red and white contingent in the house or the mark of respect in which George Hewett is held, but the former Swan was spared the hot reception a player normally gets from his former teammates and fans in his first game against his old club. Chad Warner has a bit of go about him but his greeting at the first bounce was most respectful. There was nothing resembling a jeer either on each of the 32 times the former Swan found the ball.
No.19 in good hands.
The No.19 has brought much joy to Carlton fans in dark times – and there’s every chance it will put more smiles on Navy Blue dials in the years to come. Eddie Betts’ number is in good hands with Corey Durdin. The 20-year-old, last week’s Rising Star nominee, was a livewire when the ball hit the ground, booting two goals. His best was a dribbling effort off the outside of his right boot from the forward pocket.
Step aside superstars, there's a new A-lister in town
Toby Greene has been missing in action through suspension, Dustin Martin has been away on personal leave and Lance Franklin is 35. A new guard of entertainers has enthralled the competition in recent times, including Christian Petracca, but there isn’t a more watchable player in the competition right now than Charlie Curnow. The Carlton game-breaker is turning on a brilliant campaign – his six-goal performance against the Swans taking him to 33 goals for the season, which is one short of his career-best season tally from 2018 (34 goals from 20 games). He is on track for a 70-goal year and who knows how far the Blues will go in September. On Friday night Franklin kicked two goals, but he must have seen some similarities of himself in Curnow at the other end as the amazingly athletic and brilliant young forward turned the game the Blues’ way. - Callum Twomey
Team
| B: | 23 Jacob Weitering | 33 Lewis Young | 42 Adam Saad |
| HB: | 24 Nic Newman | 15 Sam Docherty | 13 Liam Stocker |
| C: | 4 Lochie O'Brien | 9 Patrick Cripps (c) | 25 Zac Fisher |
| HF : | 18 Sam Walsh | 1 Jack Silvagni | 16 Jack Carroll |
| F: | 19 Corey Durdin | 30 Charlie Curnow | 44 Matthew Owies |
| Ruck: | 12 Tom De Koning | 29 George Hewett | 5 Adam Cerra |
| Interchange: | 3 Jesse Motlop | 7 Matt Kennedy | 20 Lachie Plowman |
| 46 Matt Cottrell | |||
| Medical Substitute: | 17 Brodie Kemp | ||
| Coach: | Michael Voss | ||
| Emergencies: | 2 Paddy Dow | 37 Jordan Boyd | 43 Will Setterfield |
Medi-sub; Brodie Kemp (unused).
In: Liam Stocker, Lewis Young.
Out: Zac Williams (ankle), Jack Newnes (managed).
Milestones
Goal-kicking: Patrick Cripps 14th goal for the season was his personal best in a season (beating 13 in 2019 and 2021), over 9 seasons. Quite a step up in goal-kicking this year from the Captain....Goal-kicking: A small feat, but important - Zac Fisher would hit double figures for goals for the first time in his career, and only in game 10 of this season. Could he become a high contest high half forward with 20+ goals in a year?
Wins: The Blues would win 4 in a row for the first time since 2016, and not again until Round 18, 2023
Interesting Fact: The Blues kicked 100 points or more in 4 consecutive games for the first time since 2010.
Interesting Fact: The Blues would score 9 goals + in a quarter for the first time since 2012.
Interesting Fact: This crowd fell just 231 short of equalling the all time Home and Away record between these two clubs set in Rnd, 2, 1934
AFLCA Votes
9 - Charlie Curnow (CARL)8 - Jacob Weitering (CARL)
7 - Sam Walsh (CARL)
4 - George Hewett (CARL)
1 - Luke Parker (SYD)
1 - Sam Docherty (CARL)
Brownlow Votes
Best and Fairest Votes
Video
Round 9 | Round 11