Game Review

Carlton suffered a major blow in the lead up to its finals campaign when reliable, recently named All Australian defender Michael Sexton, who had been Best on Ground in its previous game, rolled his ankle at training. He would miss his first game in 3 years, joining Williams, Pearce and Rice on the sidelines.

The determined Eagles were in control of the match from the start and had 5 on the board before Carlton scored its only goal of the first quarter. Carlton had no answers for the tear-away Matera or Cousins. The Blues started to get their act together in the second quarter, kicking 4 goals, but the Eagles still outscored them with 5 to take a 37 point lead at half time. Carlton would have the better of the Eagles in the third quarter, kicking 3 goals to one, to reduce the margin to 25 points at the final break. But the Eagles extended the margin by kicking the first 2 goals and the match was all but over. The Blues added just 2 more goals to the Eagles' 6 to go down by 55 points.

There were few good players besides Anthony Koutoufides, with 31 disposals, 9 marks and a goal, Fraser Brown and Scott Camporeale, both with 25 and Brett Ratten with 24, while Stephen Silvagni kept Sumich goalless until the match was in junk time and to just 5 touches. Justin Madden controlled the rucks but the Blues were unable to take advantage of this.

Team

Milestones

Last game (At Carlton): Brent Heaver