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Game Review

Carlton were given little chance of beating the undefeated reigning premiers, especially following the late withdrawal of three champion players in Silvagni (bruised hip), Bradley (calf strain) and Koutoufides (flu), on top of the long term loss of Allan (stress fractures foot). A five day break from its previous match had made it impossible for these players to recover.

After an even first quarter, the Bombers would outscore the Blues by a goal in the second and third quarters, to go to the final break 11 points up. A terrible mistake from Murray Vance handed Essendon an early goal to extend the margin to 17 points but the determined Blues would kick the next 6 goals to run out 17 point winners. It was to be Vance's final game for the Blues.

It was a coaching triumph for Wayne Brittain, in just his third game as senior coach, in a well planned and executed victory over his more experienced rival, Kevin Sheedy.

The team of lesser lights, led by Scott Camporeale, who kicked 3 inspiring goals and Brett Ratten, with 26 possessions, 2 goals and a hand in several others, caused one of the upsets of the year. But it was a true team effort and what they lacked in class, they made up for in determination. Players to rise to the occasion included Mark Porter, who rucked tirelessly in the absence of Allan and had 29 hitouts. Brendan Fevola was a target up forward, kicking 3 goals straight, including one from well outside 50m. Ryan Houlihan also kicked 3 classy crumbing goals. Matthew Lappin's kick from inside the centre square that tumbled through the goals was a real highlight. In the final quarter, Simon Fletcher and Lance Whitnall took important pack marks in the forward line and followed up with vital goals.

Ladder position: 9th

This game is remembered fondly by Carlton fans, and is considered one of our best wins in the Home & Away rounds of the 2000's.

Team

B:	23 Dean Rice	22 Glenn Manton	29 Simon Beaumont
HB:	5 Andrew McKay	3 Kris Massie	37 Trent Hotton
C:	9 Adrian Hickmott	7 Brett Ratten (a/c)	16 Scott Camporeale
HF:	33 Ryan Houlihan	8 Lance Whitnall	32 Heath Culpitt
F:	10 Michael Mansfield	25 Brendan Fevola	12 Matthew Lappin
Ruck:	11 Mark Porter	17 Scott Freeborn	27 Darren Hulme
Interchange:	31 Simon Fletcher	2 Brett Backwell	6 Murray Vance
	15 Ben Nelson
Coach:	Wayne Brittain
Emg:	Brett Backwell*	Ben Nelson*	Murray Vance*
In:	Michael Mansfield, Brett Backwell*, Ben Nelson*, Murray Vance*
Out:	Matthew Allan (foot), Craig Bradley (calf)*, Anthony Koutoufides (virus)*, Stephen Silvagni (hip)*

-*late changes

Milestone

200 Games (AFL): Michael Mansfield
Last Game: Murray Vance

Brownlow Votes

3: Scott Camporeale (CARL)
2: Darren Hulme (CARL)
1: Matthew Lappin (CARL)