Game Review

The 2003 season ended with 10 consecutive losses, but the most horrible was saved for the finale, as the Kangaroos annihilated the dispirited, leaderless and lowly Blues by 124 points, its greatest ever defeat, eclipsing its 116 point loss to the Eagles a few weeks earlier. The ease with which the Kangaroos could waltz through half forward for shots at goal gave rise to rumours of a player mutiny.

If careers hadn’t already have ended, this game served up sufficient ammunition for Pagan and the hierarchy to end them, with a massive cleanout at the end of the season. Six of the 22 would never play for Carlton again: Captain Andrew McKay would retire after 244 games. Simon Beaumont and Corey McKernan would be traded to other clubs, Simon Fletcher and Glenn Manton would be delisted, while Laurence Angwin would leave the club in controversial circumstances early in 2004 without playing another game. Joining them would be two of the players omitted from Round 21- Jim Plunkett and Sean O'Keeffe.

There were few good players for the Blues but Ryan Houlihan tried hard and gathered a then-career high 31 possessions, while Brendan Fevola kicked 5 goals.

Note: Before the game a new car was the prize in a raffle draw. The winner of the new car was Dr Geoffrey Edelston.

Team

Milestones

Last Game: Andrew McKay (retirement), Glenn Manton, Anthony Franchina and Laurence Angwin
Last Game (Carlton): Simon Beaumont, Corey McKernan, Simon Fletcher
Score Records: To this time, this was Carlton's biggest ever loss in the VFL / AFL, coming in our 107th season. Unfortunately for us the record only lasted for 12 years...
Score Records: This is the Kangaroos' greatest winning margin over Carlton

Brownlow Votes

3: Daniel Motlop (KAN)
2: Brent Harvey (KAN)
1: Daniel Harris (KAN)