Game Review

With Spalding and Pearce out and Kernahan not quite able to reproduce his past form, Stephen Silvagni was sent to full forward in an effort to bolster Carlton's struggling attack. This proved to be a master stroke for David Parkin, as he had kicked 4 of Carlton's 6 goals by quarter time, while the Eagles wasted numerous opportunites, scoring 1 goal 5, to trail by 27 points.

Their inaccuracy did not continue in the second quarter however, as the Eagles began to dominate play and scored 5 goals 2 to Carlton's 2.1, to reduce the margin to 8 points at half time.

In the third quarter, it was Carlton's turn to waste opportunities, despite controlling most of the play, kicking 3 goals 6 to take a 31 point lead. Silvagni added 2.2 to bring his tally to 6 goals and was by then on his third opponent. The Eagles struck back with a far more efficient 4 goals 1 late in the quarter to reduce the 3/4 time margin to 7 points.

Inaccuracy continued from both sides in the final quarter as both sides applied extreme pressure. They were each only able to score one goal. The match remained on a knife edge throughout the quarter, as the Blues fought desperately to maintain their narrow lead. Up by just 6 points in the final minute, Silvagni would lunge desperately to take a mark (his 9th for the match) and in the process hit his head, lapse into unconsciousness and be forced to leave the field. Justin Murphy would have to take the kick in his place. He scored a behind to give the Blues a 7 point lead, not long before the siren rang, to give the Blues an upset victory over the Eagles at their home ground.

Peter Dean, Andrew McKay, Michael Sexton and Glenn Manton were left to lead the defence and did an excellent job.

Craig Bradley had 36 possessions and 2 important goals, including a vital running goal from 50 m, the only Carlton goal of the final quarter. Greg Williams had 31 possessions.

It was hoped that this victory would be the launching pad for a finals assalt by the Blues, who were still sitting in 10th position.

Team

Brownlow Votes

3: Peter Matera (WCE)
2: Stephen Silvagni (CARL)
1: Craig Bradley (CARL)