Umpires: Howlett, Vernon, Kronja

Goalkickers: S.Silvagni 6, A.Whitehead 4, C.Bradley 3, B.Pearce, A.Koutoufides, L.O'Sullivan 2, G.Williams, S.Kernahan, B.Ratten, S.Camporeale, J.Murphy, R.De Iulio 1.

Best: B.Ratten, M.Porter, G.Williams, A.Koutoufides, M.Sexton, S.Silvagni, P.Dean, J.Murphy, C.Bradley.

Reports: R.De Iulio (Kicking Darren Bewick) - 4 weeks.

Injuries: G.Manton (hamstring).

Game Review

The Blues went into this match with a dilemma following the suspension of ruckman Matthew Allan. Would they turn to veteran Justin Madden or rookie Mark Porter, who was not even on Carlton's senior list? Madden decided to retire (he was farewelled pre-game) and step aside to allow Porter to be elevated in his place. Porter made an outstanding debut with 27 hit-outs, eclipsing his more experienced Essendon opponents, who could only manage 14 between them. He gave the Blues constant first use of the ball from the centre square and allowed Carlton's midfielders to dominate the game. Brett Ratten had 30 possessions and was judged Best on Ground, while Greg Williams had 28. Anthony Koutoufides had 25 and kicked 2 goals, while Craig Bradley had 23 and 3 goals.

The Blues kicked the first three goals of the match, before the Bombers kicked the next four. Carlton dominated play in the second quarter, but even a wasteful 4.6 to the Bombers' 3.2 still gave us a 23-point lead at half time. The third quarter was much better and the Blues added 6. 5 to 1.2, to stretch our advantage to 56 points at the last break. The final quarter was a romp, and the Blues added another 8.1 to gleefully crush a despised rival by 78 points. Champion full-back Stephen Silvagni went to full-forward and kicked 6.3, taking his goal total to 17 in the three games he had played there. Adrian Whitehead added another four, while continuing to showcase his considerable ability. Justin Murphy had 27 touches and 12 marks, providing great drive off half back. Michael Sexton was given the job of containing Essendon's gun spearhead Matthew Lloyd, and restricted him to two goals.

When Stephen Kernahan kicked his solitary goal on Saturday, he passed St Kilda's great goalkicker of the 1930's, Bill Mohr, and moved to 11th place on the AFL all-time goalkicking list.

Team

Milestones

250th (AFL) and Last Game: Greg Williams
Debut: Mark Porter

Brownlow Votes

3: Brett Ratten (CARL)
2: Stephen Silvagni (CARL)
1: Craig Bradley (CARL)

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