| Venue: Victoria Park | Date: Saturday August 29, 1936 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Result: Win by 1 point | Umpire: Blackburn | Crowd: 30,100 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Goalkickers: H.Vallence 4.4, J.Wrout 3.3, A.Clarke 3.2, K.Dunn 1.1, B.Green 1.1, B.Kuhlken 1.0, rushed 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Best: E. Huxtable, A. Clarke, D. McIntyre, J. Hale, B. Green, H. Bullen | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Reports: | Injuries: Nil | |||||||||||||||||||
Game Review
Spare a thought for Carlton’s supporters in 1936. For three weeks in a row, their hearts and nerves had been severely tested as the Blues had to come from well behind to win. In this epic encounter, Carlton came back from 39 points down after a goal-less first term, to win by the narrowest of margins against its old rival. In a game where defences of both sides were dominant, it was Carlton’s never-say-die attitude and superior play in the last term which got the Blues over the line.Coach Frank Maher was unable to supervise Thursday night’s training due to a ricked neck. As he received treatment in the rooms, captain Jim Francis ran the normal light Thursday session. The Blues now had a growing list of injuries with which to deal. Micky Crisp, with his strained thigh, trained very lightly in a short session and was set to miss his fourth game. Charlie Davey’s strained thigh meant he couldn’t train or be considered, Horrie Bullen (knee), Keith Shea (head) and Jack Carney didn’t train and Ted Pollock (ankle) was an early retiree from the session. The side announced brought in Norm Cashin and Will Kuhlken, in place of Ted Pollock and Frank Williams.
A late change was made before the game, with Keith Shea being ruled out. Gordon Mackie, for his first game since round four, came in with Clen Denning named 19th man. Collingwood won the toss and, using the strong south-easterly wind, kicked to the railway end. The game was a battle of defences early before a smart dash ended with a shot which hit the post for Collingwood. Play was very physical from the outset, with Horrie Bullen going down hard after a heavy clash. Carlton was playing negatively in an effort to lessen the wind advantage, but were using the outer wing which actually favoured Collingwood. McInytre, Clarke and Huxtable were prominent early for the Blues. Clarke, Anderson and Francis set up a series of attacks, but Kuhlken kicked poorly to waste one, before Vallence snapped a hurried behind. Collingwood now released a devastating burst. Playing superbly, the Pies rattled on five goals from an avalanche of nine shots at goal. Handball, great passing and intelligent teamwork created plenty of opportunities and loose men and Carlton’s defence was under severe strain. Mackie was being outplayed and to try to stem the flow, Anderson went to centre half back. Clarke too was placed in defence, and these moves seemed to steady the Blues. However it took until the last minute of the quarter for Carlton to score again, when Clarke, after a magnificent solo effort, was unlucky to only register a behind. But Collingwood replied well, with their sixth goal right on the bell for a 39 point lead at the break. Had the Magpies kicked straighter, the game might well have been over. McIntyre had been exceptional in defence.
From the bounce, Bullen earned a free kick and sent Carlton into attack to Kuhlken, but he hesitated to kick and foolishly handballed to Vallence for a behind only. Carlton had shifted Vallence to the forward pocket, leaving Kuhlken as the main focus in front of goal. After some good work from Hale, Green kicked to Dunn who took a soaring mark. His kick scored the Blues first goal. Carlton were looking better in the opening moments but were wasting handball. Another thrust forward from Anderson went to Vallence who snapped the second goal, despite close attention of two opponents. Collingwood, still well in control, were playing the man and giving plenty of free kicks away. Clarke just missed a chance for his second behind, and for almost the next ten minutes, play rebounded between the defences before the Pies snapped their seventh goal. Mackie was now back at centre half back and playing better, helping the Blues’ defence get on top. Cooper and Clarke were the catalysts for a good Carlton rally. With Francis and Green doing well in the centre, Carlton used the outer wing wisely and pressed home a series of attacks. From the first, Vallence scored a behind and from the kick-out, a miskick went straight to Clarke who quickly slotted Carlton’s third goal. The Blues were now playing well, troubling the Collingwood defence. Another thrust gained a rushed behind for Carlton. Working out of defence, Collingwood kicked across the ground - straight to a delighted Cooper who passed to Clarke for his second goal. Collingwood attacked but great play from Park cleared with a dashing run. Green scored the seventh behind for Carlton, before Vallence earned a free and kicked the Blues’ fifth goal. He had another chance right on the bell but just missed for a behind. It had been a great comeback by Carlton, leaving only ten points between the sides at half time. Indicative of Collingwood’s tactics was the free kick count for the quarter – Carlton 12 to Collingwood’s two. For the half, Carlton had been well served by Huxtable, Clarke, Cooper, McIntyre and Bullen.
Within minutes of the bounce, Collingwood goaled after smart play and a snap from a pack. Another shot shortly after gained their seventh behind. Carlton answered promptly; Huxtable passing to Green who, after some good shepherding from Bullen on the grandstand wing, kicked to Vallence His kick went to Wrout who took a lovely high mark and goaled. The Blues made the mistake again of kicking to the outer wing and Collingwood used the breeze well for their ninth goal. Again, Carlton responded; another high mark by Wrout and a similar one by Dunn gave a chance, but Dunn scored a behind only. A great run out of defence by Huxtable, one of Carltons’ best, resulted in a pass to Hale. He kicked to Wrout who again marked beautifully, and kicked Carlton’s seventh goal. The game was fast and furious, but Collingwood were still too intent on the man and not the ball (the free kicks went Carlton’s way 11 to 5 for the quarter). The tactics were working though, with some tenacious play bringing three good goals to the Magpies for a handy lead. Mackie prevented another with a fine mark. However, Carlton kept working and a free was earned by Anderson. His great kick went to a pack in the goal square, but Vallence wisely stayed down and snapped a goal to keep the Blues in the hunt. Huxtable again cleared from defence with a dash around the outer wing and kicked to Dunn, who played on and found Wrout. His goal left Carlton 17 points down at the last break. Carlton’s four goals against the wind had been an excellent effort and the Blues looked fresh and confident going into the last term.
Collingwood commenced the final term with a shot which hit the post. The Magpies were doing all the attacking early, but Hale and Mackie defended well. Then Huxtable, with the play of the day, made a daring dash, evaded eight defenders and kicked to Clarke, who weaved through and found Kuhlken. His goal made the difference only twelve points. Collingwood lost a player through injury at this point but answered in the best way, with a behind and a goal to widen the margin. Carlton then made a series of thrusts forward. In one, Hale burst through a pack and kicked to Green. He was infringed but his shot sailed out of bounds. Another fine mark to Wrout deserved more than a behind, which left the Blues 18 points down at the 15 minute mark. Carlton kept attacking, with a move from Francis and Anderson nearly scoring, before Cooper cleverly forwarded to Vallence, who goaled with a mighty torpedo from a long way out. The crowd was at fever pitch; supporters of both sides compelling their players on. A dashing run from Green earned him a free and this time his kick scored full points, leaving Carlton a goal down with only four minutes remaining. Sensing the danger, Collingwood threw everything at the ball and attacked relentlessly, but Carlton’s defence held them out, until a free kick gained the Magpies a handy behind. Carlton went forward and Wrout answered with a behind, after marking a kick from Francis. Still attacking, Clarke had a chance but under pressure his kick went out of bounds. Bullen, heroic despite being clearly injured, had a shot but a great mark in defence saved Collingwood. Their kick out of defence fell short and Cooper gained a free in a pack. His miskick travelled 40 yards, no more than four feet off the ground, straight to Clarke in the goal square, who dropkicked the levelling goal with only two minutes left to play. It was electrifying stuff; two arch rivals desperate to win and their supporters hoarse and giddy with excitement. Carlton attacked again but Collingwood repelled and dashed out of defence. Their player appeared to be pushed, but Umpire Blackburn paid the free to Bullen, sending the crowd into a frenzy. He passed to Wrout who marked and lined up the important shot. It went through for a behind, but it gave the Blues the lead very late in the game. The bell rang, but so great was the noise of the crowd, that players and umpire did not hear it and play continued until a boundary umpire ran out and told the field umpire. Hale was attacking at the time and a goal looked certain, just as Umpire Blackburn raised his hands and signalled game over.
For Carlton, the win secured their place in the finals. Geelong had defeated Richmond to kill their chances, but Melbourne had also won, ending Geelong’s hopes. Win or lose next week against St Kilda, Carlton would play Melbourne in the first semi-final in two weeks’ time. Collingwood would meet South Melbourne in three weeks.
Best
"The trophy for the best player on the side was handed to H. Bullen, who played splendidly against almost overwhelming odds all day, and who won the game at the finish when he "caught" Pannam who was always inclined to over-run with the ball. Clarke who is now at the top of his form, secured the second trophy, and had there been another gallant Huxtable would have certainly been in the running, with Hale and Wrout a close fourth and fifth. Anderson, Vallence and McIntyre gave solid service, and practically every other player rendered yeoman service." (The Age)The Argus gave Clarke BOG.
Collingwood's Visit
After the match, and after the congratulatory speech was made by the Carlton president Dave Crone, Collingwood's treasurer R. T. Rush unusually visited Carlton's rooms. "....it was not customary for Collingwood to visit the winning room, but in view of Carlton's well-merited victory they wished to offer Collingwood's congratulations. (Loud Applause) Mr. R. T. Rush reminded listeners that back in 1892 Collingwood had received the whole of the gate from Carlton as a gesture of goodwill from the more powerful Carlton club. He said Collingwood had never forgotten that. They were old and friendly rivals, and the way Collingwood had played that day must have convinced everyone that they were all out to win. (Applause) - The AgeAt the end of this round Carlton were in 3rd spot on the ladder with a percentage of 126.8 and a finals berth guaranteed..
Team
| B: | 6 Fred Gilby | 26 Jim Park | 2 Don McIntyre |
| HB: | 9 Eric Huxtable | 24 Gordon Mackie | 1 Frank Anderson |
| C: | 35 Norm Cashin | 10 Jim Francis (c) | 32 Bob Green |
| HF: | 11 Jack Hale | 28 Jack Wrout | 3 Wally Mutimer |
| F: | 5 Keith Dunn | 22 Harry Vallence | 19 Ron Cooper |
| Ruck: | 15 Horrie Bullen | 4 Will Kuhlken | 31 Ansell Clarke |
| 19th Man: | 34 Clen Denning | ||
| Coach: | Frank Maher | ||
Sporting Globe Aug 29
Keith Dunn & Jack Wrout, Trove Age Aug 31
Milestones
50 Carlton Games: Horrie BullenRound 16 | Round 18