Umpire: Mackenzie

Goalkickers: V.Gardiner 6, D.Gillespie 2, C.Hammond 2, G.Johnson 2, T.Kennedy 2, F.Caine 1, F.Elliott 1, C.Roland 1.

Game Review

History was made, and one of Australian football’s great rivalries was born when Carlton met Richmond for the first time in a VFL match on this Saturday afternoon at Princes Park. The Tigers had made a modest start in their debut season at elite level, winning two of their first seven games. They couldn’t have envisaged it at the time, but they were destined not to beat Carlton for almost 10 years, and it all began with this 88-point hammering by the unbeaten ladder-leaders.

Carlton made four changes on selection night, losing in-form forward Harvey Kelly, and brilliant centreman Rod McGregor to injury. Wally Koochew and Bill Carmody were omitted. Their replacements were Vin Gardiner, Dave Gillespie, Alby Ingleman and flying winger Ted Kennedy; all of whom would play a big part in Carlton’s biggest win of the year so far.

The difference in class between the two teams became obvious very early on, especially after Blues captain ’Pompey’ Elliott won the toss, and kicked with a freshening breeze to the outer end of the ground. Carlton’s followers seized control from the opening bounce, and their strength and cohesion soon had Richmond floundering. The home side slammed through seven unanswered goals in the first quarter, coasted from then on, and didn’t allow the Tigers to score their second and last goal until the final term.

Elusive full-forward Gardiner was too quick and clever for the Richmond defence, finishing the game with 6 goals. Dave Gillespie, George ‘Mallee’ Johnson and Charlie Hammond ruled the ruck contests, as well as contributing two goals each. Alex Lang and Martin Gotz were busy and effective rovers all game.

After this weekend Carlton was still undefeated, and still one win clear of Essendon on top of the ladder with an enormous percentage difference of 197.14 to 142.06. St Kilda had scored an invaluable win over Fitzroy at Brunswick St to bump the Maroons from third to fourth, with South Melbourne and University next.

Team

Changes

In: V.Gardiner, T.Kennedy, D.Gillespie, A.Ingleman
Out: H.Kelly, R.McGregor, W.Koochew, B.Carmody

Milestones

50 Games: Norman Clark
Records: This was the first-ever VFL match between Carlton and Richmond

Footnote

Although this was the first meeting of these two clubs in the VFL competition, Carlton had first played Richmond in 1885 in the VFA. Prior to the end of the 1896 season, the Blues had met Richmond 16 times - winning 11 games, losing 4, and drawing 1.