Umpires: G.Caulfield, D.Goldspink & G.Vernon.

Goalkickers: B.Pearce 4, G.Williams 3, S.Kernahan 3, F.Brown 2, M.Sexton 1, M.Hanna 1, S.Camporeale 1, J.Madden 1.

Best: C.Bradley, P.Dean, A.McKay, B.Ratten, S.Camporeale, G.Williams, B.Pearce.

Reports: Nil

Injuries: Nil

Game Review

This game was a modern day classic and is generally accepted by Carlton fans as one of the best home & away games of the last 20 years, if not longer.

In one of the best and tightest games for the year, and in a season where Carlton were dominant but the Cats had confidence against us, the Blues narrowly held out a strong Cats outfit on the back of a 3 goal to nil third quarter. Gary Ablett would kick 4 goals 5 and arguably have the better of ‘SOS’ but not be able to convert. Their midfield, led by Gary ‘Buddha’ Hocking and the gatherer Liam Pickering would hold their own against Greg Williams, Brett Ratten and Craig Bradley (who would win the BOG) but the Blues would prevail on the back of yet another great forward performance by Brad Pearce. Pearce would kick 4 goals in this match, and play a pivotal role in the next rematch between these two teams – the 1995 Grand Final.

This game would mark the Carlton debut of Glenn Manton, a defender from Essendon. He would play in almost all the remainder of the games for the year, including our Grand Final win, and go on to be a very serviceable player for Carlton until 2003.

This game is remembered fondly by Carlton fans, and is considered one of our best wins in the Home & Away rounds of the 1990's.

Memories

I took my two sons aged 10 and 7 and found a spot in the outer back pocket. Propped the boys up on to one of the steel rails on the terrace and stood between, holding them on. Princes Park was packed.
A memory, about the only one that is still clear (in 2024), was the desperate save by Craig Bradley late in final term to get his out-stretched fingers on the ball on the goal line, kicked by Cat's champion Gary Ablett. Braddles saved a certain goal and help save the game as Geelong were fighting back.

Team

Milestones:

Debut (Carlton): Glenn Manton

Video