Umpire: Coombes

Goalkickers: V.Gardiner 4, F.Elliott 2, H.Kelly 1, A.Lang 1, M.Gotz 1, G.Topping 1, T.Kennedy 1, A.Ford 1.

Best: B.Payne, N.Clark, L.Beck, R.McGregor, G.Bruce, T.Kennedy, G.Johnson, C.Hammond, F.Elliott, J.Flynn.

Game Review

A week after Essendon knocked Collingwood out of contention in the first weekend of the finals, Carlton coach Jack Worrall made just one change to his side for this Second Semi Final against St Kilda. After recovering from injury, classy winger George Bruce came into the team, at the expense of utility Alby Ingleman. The Saints made five changes, most importantly bringing back their veteran ruckman Harry Cumberland.

In gloomy, cloudy weather, a disappointing crowd of 25,500 turned up to the MCG, and those who stayed away were vindicated when the heavens opened shortly after the opening bounce. As players slithered and slid, Carlton’s clever small forward Vin Gardiner was at his elusive best. He kicked all four of the Blues’ first-quarter goals, while the Saints were held goalless.

The rain eased in the second term, but Carlton’s relentless pressure didn’t. Winning in the ruck, sharp up forward and with a wall across half-back, the Blues simply strangled the St Kilda attack. The Saints didn’t register their first goal until early in the last quarter, and by then the game was bordering on a farce. Carlton had long since taken their foot off the pedal by the final bell, and could have won by much more than the eventual margin of 58 points.

Defenders Billy Payne, Norman Clark and Les Beck were outstanding for the victors, along with the superb centreline of Rod McGregor, Ted Kennedy and George Bruce. Vin Gardiner didn’t add to his first-quarter haul of goals, but his efforts sparked the Blues into action and he was a constant threat to the St Kilda defence.

The Navy Blues were now on the brink of greatness, with a fourth Grand Final in succession (and surely, a third Premiership) only seven days away.

Team

Changes

In: G.Bruce
Out: A.Ingleman

Milestones

Score Records: This is the equal lowest score ever by an opponent in a Carlton final.