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| Venue: | Marvel Stadium, Docklands. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Date: | Sunday 4th April, 2021 (3.20pm). | ||||||||||||||||||
| Result: | Won by 45 points. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Crowd: | 24,551 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Goalkickers: | H. McKay 7.5, P. Cripps 2.0, J. Silvagni 1.2, M. Murphy 1.1, E. Betts 1.1, L. Fogarty 1.0, J. Newnes 1.0, E. Curnow 1.0, M. Gibbons 1.0, M. Pittonet 0.1, L. Casboult 0.1, Rushed 0.2. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Reports: | Nil. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Umpires: | Chris Donlon, Eleni Glouftsis, Matt Stevic | ||||||||||||||||||
| Injuries: | .W. Setterfield (illness) replaced in selected side by M. Cottrell. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ladder: | 12th | ||||||||||||||||||
Game Review
Big bag for 'Big H' as Blues thump disappointing Dockers - By Riley BeveridgeCarlton full-forward Harry McKay boots a bagful against hapless Fremantle. This was Carlton releasing the pressure valve. After a fortnight of criticism for its disappointing start to the year, the club ran rampant on Sunday to get its stuttering campaign off the ground with a dominant 45-point demolition of Fremantle. And there were more than a few with some points to prove. Blues co-captain Patrick Cripps was one of them, responding to having his own game questioned with a Herculean performance. His 33 disposals, 11 clearances and two goals helped architect the 16.13 (109) to 9.10 (54) thumping at Marvel Stadium. Budding star Harry McKay was another. His career-high seven-goal haul, which remarkably featured a total of 12 scoring shots, was an emphatic demonstration of his lofty talent as the strong-marking forward spearheaded Carlton to its maiden win of the season. Sam Walsh (37 disposals, five clearances), Lachie Fogarty (25 disposals, one goal) and Liam Jones (20 disposals, 15 intercepts) were also strong contributors as the Blues overwhelmed their depleted opponents. Fremantle's afternoon had few positives. Missing the grunt of captain Nat Fyfe in the middle, the Dockers only had All-Australian defender Luke Ryan (24 disposals, six marks) to thank for the margin not being bigger.
Instead, it was a Carlton stroll on Easter Sunday. Although, initially, a wasteful opening term had proved frustrating. The Blues had 10 scoring opportunities to quarter-time, compared to Fremantle's four, but held only a slender four-point lead at the first change. However, it was a sign of things to come. McKay, up until that point, had arguably been the side's biggest culprit in front of target. But three straight kicks from the big forward in a matter of minutes in the second quarter soon had the Blues rolling, as they built a commanding 35-point lead by half-time. Eddie Betts capped that run of seven consecutive Carlton majors, with his clever snap from the boundary sending the Blues fans into raptures in what was the much-loved forward's first game back at the club in front of home fans. The margin grew after half-time, with McKay adding to his tally with two near-identical snaps from deep inside the pocket. They came as Fremantle's woes were compounded by a hamstring injury to Hayden Young and a head knock to Lachie Schulz, ending both of their afternoons early. Carlton had no such concerns. A seventh McKay goal midway through a comfortable final quarter put the cherry on top of a cruisy afternoon to draw both sides level with 1-2 records to start the year. A career-best haul from Harry McKay, a career-best disposal tally from Sam Walsh and a second- and third-quarter blitz has seen Carlton walk away with its first win of the season. The Blues were at their blistering best in the second and third terms at Marvel Stadium, piling on 10 goals to three in the middle two quarters on the way to a 45-point victory over the Dockers.
Quarter one:
It was a physical game from the centre bounce, with Ed Curnow, Patrick Cripps and Michael Gibbons all getting involved early. Jack Newnes snapped the first goal for the Blues after an impressive assist from Sam Walsh, who later set up another goal for Harry McKay in a blistering first term for the young midfielder. Gibbons was busy in the forward 50, while at the other end of the ground Lachie Plowman and Liam Jones set up a defensive wall. Fremantle's efficiency in front of goal was the difference early, opening up a 10-point lead with the Blues unable to convert their forward entries. Lachie Fogarty was busy early, providing plenty of physicality and slotting a handy goal from an intercept mark. Carlton had 13 inside 50s and eight scoring shot, but entered the first change with only a four-point lead unable to make the most of their opportunities.
Quarter two:
Ed Curnow opened the quarter on a good note, playing on from a set shot and kicking truly from the junction the forward 50 and boundary line. Carlton’s pressure around the ball was strong, with their shepherding and contested work shining through. Jones continued his outstanding form across half back, stopping Fremantle from getting past the centre square and collecting five intercept marks in the first half. A Harry McKay cameo on the back of his contested marking helped Carlton widen the margin, with the key forward having four goals at the final change. Marc Pittonet provided consistent ruck work and effort around the ground as the Blues dominated in the clearances, while debutant Luke Parks proved he belonged at the level by making an impact in the defensive half. Eddie Betts delivered some classic fancy footwork in his 200th Carlton game, delighting the crowd at Marvel Stadium and kicking a vintage left-foot dribble.
Quarter three:
The Blues started the quarter strongly, with Patrick Cripps - who helped turn the game in the second term at the centre bounce - slotting a set shot to get the ball rolling. After that, neither team was able to lock the ball in their forward half, with both teams ramping up the intensity around the contest. McKay kicked two goals in a row to give Carlton a healthy lead as well as a career-best haul, as things started to get heated between the opposing teams. The Blues' delivery inside 50 was accurate, with the home side getting bang for their buck from forward entries. Sam Docherty handled things in the defensive half when it came his way, before some late goals from Fremantle saw the margin reduced to 46 points.
Quarter four:
Carlton came out with the momentum in the last term, keeping the ball in their possession before Jack Silvagni received full reward for his efforts in attack with his first of the day. The Dockers held sway in the final term, keeping it at three goals apiece as the final term turned into a scrap. McKay notched his seventh goal for the day before Michael Gibbons got in on the scoreboard act, as the Blues posted a 45-point win on Easter Sunday.
Harry's breakout comes on big Blue afternoon.
This was a performance Harry McKay had been threatening for some time. After kicking four goals in a loss to Collingwood last week, McKay broke through for a career-best game and a seven-major outing against Fremantle. McKay was the magnet for everything the Blues did going forward, clunking nine big grabs and hitting the scoreboard on 12 occasions to kick seven goals and five behinds. McKay's approach was unconventional in several otherwise regulation positions, snapping multiple times from directly in front, but it worked for the 204cm forward as he bagged four goals to half-time and three more after the interval. This could be the start of big things to come for the talented 23-year-old.
Second quarter Blues blowout
Carlton's second quarter was complete domination, and the type of football David Teague has been desperate to see. Not only did the Blues kick six of seven goals to create a significant 35-point buffer by half-time, but they also bossed every key indicator on the field. They smashed Fremantle on the inside, winning the clearance count (13-6) and the contested possession battle (46-29) for the term. But they also outworked the Dockers on the outside, winning the disposal count (123-73), the inside 50s (23-8) and taking more marks (34-13). The Blues have been promising this for a long time, and Teague would have been rapt they delivered on Sunday.
Double injury blow adds to sorry Docker day
This was a nightmare Sunday afternoon for Fremantle. Comprehensively beaten around the ground, the Dockers' issues were compounded when talented young defender Hayden Young limped off just before half-time with a hamstring injury. Young was clattered in a contest by Levi Casboult and, after walking from the field, didn't return to the match. Halfway through the third quarter, Lachie Schulz was then forced off following a head knock. Both add to a growing Fremantle injury list, headed by captain Nat Fyfe, with coach Justin Longmuir left with a sizeable task to get the wounded Dockers back on track. Liam Henry replaced Young, but couldn't make a difference as the margin grew.
Moment of the match
Eddie Betts - It was only fitting that in his 200th Carlton game and his first appearance for the season, Betts delivered a classic dribble goal that sent made the Bluebaggers at Marvel Stadium as vocal as they had been all day. A standing ovation for the veteran followed, while the smile on Betts and his teammates' faces said it all.
Three things from the game
1. Carlton has found one in Lachie Fogarty. The new recruit was a highlight in the Blues win in more areas than one in his third game for the Club. He gathered 25 disposals, laid seven tackles (a team-high) and had eight score involvements, putting the pressure on the Dockers in any way he could.
2. Liam Jones was a force to be reckoned with in the defensive half. Gathering 11 intercept marks, Jones was pivotal in keeping Fremantle in Carlton’s half of the ground, as well as thwarting more than his fair share of the Dockers' attacks.
3. It was a career day for Harry McKay. The 51-gamer slotted a career-high seven goals, most of which resulted from his outstanding aerial work (10 marks). With 13 goals from three games, the key forward has never been more dangerous in Navy Blue.
Best: H. McKay, P. Cripps, S. Walsh, L. Fogarty, L. Jones, S. Docherty, E. Curnow
Team
| B: | 26 Luke Parks | 20 Lachie Plowman | 14 Liam Jones |
| HB: | 15 Sam Docherty (c) | 23 Jacob Weitering | 42 Adam Saad |
| C: | 18 Sam Walsh | 9 Patrick Cripps (c) | 32 Jack Newnes |
| HF: | 8 Lachie Fogarty | 41 Levi Casoboult | 40 Michael Gibbons |
| F: | 19 Eddie Betts | 10 Harry McKay | 1 Jack Silvagni |
| Ruck: | 27 Marc Pittonet | 6 Zac Williams | 35 Ed Curnow |
| Interchange: | 2 Paddy Dow | 3 Marc Murphy | 5 Sam Petrevski-Seton |
| 46 Matthew Cottrell | |||
| Medical Substitute | 39 Oscar McDonald (unused) | ||
| Coach: | David Teague | ||
| Emergencies: | 4 Lochie O'Brien | 7 Matthew Kennedy | 31 Tom Williamson |
In; Jack Silvagni, Eddie Betts, Luke Parks (debut), Matthew Cottrell
Out: Jack Martin (knee), Zac Fisher (ankle), Will Setterfield (illness), Tom Williamson (omitted)
Note; this was the second week in a row when the Medical Substitute was not used by the Blues, Oscar McDonald has been the Medical Substitute in all three games this year.
Milestones
Debut: Luke Parks200 Games (Carlton): Eddie Betts
First wins (as Blues): Luke Parks, Adam Saad, Zac Williams
Interesting Facts
1.These two teams have clashed once at Marvel Stadium since 2013, with seven of their past eight encounters in Perth.2. Harry McKay's seven goals was a personal best, prior to this he has kicked four goals on four previous occasions.
3. Sam Walsh had a career best of 37 disposals in this clash against Freo, previous to this it was 32 disposals.
AFLCA Votes
9 - Harry McKay (CARL)8 - Liam Jones (CARL)
6 - Sam Walsh (CARL)
5 - Patrick Cripps (CARL)
2 - Lachie Fogarty (CARL)
Brownlow Votes
3 - Harry McKay (CAR)2 - Patrick Cripps (CAR)
1 - Sam Walsh (CAR)
Best & Fairest Votes
Harry McKay 14, Liam Jones 14, Lachie Forgarty 12, Patrick Cripps 12, Sam Walsh 10, Sam Docherty 9, Jack Newnes 9, Ed Curnow 9, Lachie Plowman 8, Jacob Weitering 7, Jack Silvagni 7, Matthew Cottrell 7, Marc Pittonet 6, Sam Petrevski-Seton 5, Zac Williams 4, Michael Gibbons 4, Luke Parks 4, Adam Saad 3, Marc Murphy 3, Paddy Dow 2, Levi Casboult 2Round 2 | Round 4