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| Venue: | MCG | ||||||||||||||||||
| Date: | Saturday 3 August 2024 (7.30 pm). | ||||||||||||||||||
| Result: | Lost by 3 points. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Crowd: | 86,879 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Goalkickers: | E. Hollands 2.1, J. Martin 2.0, L. Fogarty 2.0, P. Cripps 1.2, B. Acres 1.1, H. McKay 1.1, M. Owies 1.0, O. Hollands 1.0, C. Curnow 0.2, J. Motlop 0.1, J. Boyd 0.1, Rushed 0.6. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Reports: |
N. Newman - engaging in a melee/wrestle (first offence), fixed financial sanction of $1875, reduced to $1250 with an early plea. J. Boyd - other misconduct (first offence) with him lowering his knee into the thigh of the Pies ruckman Mason Cox during the melee, fixed financial sanction of $1875, reduced to $1250 with an early plea. M. Cox - engaging in a melee/wrestle (first offence), fixed financial sanction of $1875, reduced to $1250 with an early plea. L. Schulz - engaging in a melee/wrestle (first offence), fixed financial sanction of $1875, reduced to $1250 with an early plea. |
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| Umpires: | Nick Foot, Hayden Gavine, Robert Findlay, Craig Fleer. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Injuries: | A. Cerra (hamstring), C. Curnow (ankle), M. Cottrell (shoulder). | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ladder: | 8th | ||||||||||||||||||
Game Review
Late heartbreak as Carlton comeback falls short
Carlton fell just short of a miraculous comeback against Collingwood. - By Cristian Filippo, Carlton Media.Carlton has fallen just short of a miraculous comeback against Collingwood in a three-point defeat. Trailing by as much as 32 points in the final term, a previously wayward Blues side surged home, but a shot after the siren from Mitch McGovern failed to score in the 12.12 (84) to 11.15 (81) defeat. It was a frustrating night for the Blues, who were forced to defend for large portions of the middle two quarters. But led by Patrick Cripps (30 disposals) and Jacob Weitering (four contested marks, seven intercepts), the Blues rallied, only to fall in another close one to the old enemy.
Quarter one
It might have only ticked over to August, but finals football arrived early at the MCG if the first quarter was anything to go by when the two old enemies met. Pressure was fierce from the outset, with the Blues’ big guns returning to the centre bounce and looking to make a statement. Dominating uncontested ball in the early going, Carlton had the upper hand early in the contest as Harry McKay loomed large in attack. What was costing the Blues early was their inaccuracy, only able to convert five behinds from six inside 50s: the Pies almost immediately, as the returning Jordan De Goey got on the end of a Pies kick-in for their first score - and goal - 18 minutes into the game. Brodie Kemp, Mitch McGovern and Jacob Weitering all took their turn behind the ball with intercept marks as the Blues transitioned the ball well, but again couldn’t get reward on the scoreboard. Patrick Cripps and George Hewett were both busy with 11 first-quarter disposals, but when Nick Daicos converted from a handball chain, the Blues were suddenly a goal down despite eight scoring shots (all behinds). That all changed when McKay - in the dying seconds of the term - gathered, snapped and dribbled home from the boundary line in sensational fashion to draw scores level at the first change.
Quarter two
Collingwood burst out of the blocks to start the second term, quickly turning the even margin into a Carlton deficit through consecutive goals. The Pies had recorded two goals from six scoring shots before the Blues could muster a shot of their own accord, as the Blues were forced to spend large portions of the quarter in their back half. Nic Newman looked to provide plenty of drive and rebound in the Blues’ defensive 50, particularly with Mitch McGovern receiving treatment in the rooms. As the game continued to ebb and flow, the Blues looked to be right back in the contest when Elijah Hollands converted a set shot from an Adam Cerra assist, before a Lachie Fogarty smother and goal in front of the Carlton Cheersquad looked to give his side the shot in the arm they needed. The Blues were forced into an early change when Cerra was subbed out soon after due to a hamstring injury, as the Pies once again got their forward territory game going with 15-9 inside 50s for the term. Another series of costly misses to the Blues was made all the more jarring when Mason Cox converted from close range following a free kick as tempers flared soon after, with the Pies take a 13-point lead into the main break.
Quarter three
When the Blues returned after the major break, their task became a bit harder when Matthew Cottrell didn’t return from the second quarter due to a shoulder injury. When Jack Crisp and Will Hoskin-Elliott kicked the first two goals, a 26-point deficit was opened up and the Blues were in desperate need of a response to keep the game alive. A solo captain’s goal sparked the team into action, and the Blues’ pressure lifted up forward, directly leading to a goal to Lachie Fogarty. Jack Martin also found his range in his milestone game, bringing the Blues back within 14 points. However the Pies soon got their game going once again and late goals in the third term cost the Blues, with the Pies dominating forward territory once again for the quarter (17-9 inside 50s, 11-8 clearances). After two consecutive behinds for the Blues, bringing their tally to 6.14 for the game, a Hoskin-Elliott goal at the 32-minute mark saw the Blues trail by 26 points at the final change.
Quarter four
When Collingwood continued its run at the end of the final term, the game looked done and dusted on the scoreboard. But as we’ve come to expect from Michael Voss’ Carlton - and in games between the Blues and Pies - there was still more to play out. The Blues were undermanned in terms of personnel, with Charlie Curnow spending considerable time on the bench in the final quarter with an ankle injury. But trailing by 32 points, the Blues needed to find something going forward, and they did. On the back of contested possessions and clearance dominance led by Cripps (nine disposals, four clearances), Carlton surged right back into the contest, with a classy goal from Elijah Hollands triggering a mighty response. In a rush, the Blues recorded five straight goals, with majors in quick succession to wingmen Blake Acres and Ollie Hollands bringing the Blues back within a kick. Jacob Weitering set up a one-man wall on the halfway line, Matthew Kennedy fought his way through congestion and Nic Newman mopped up everything as the Blues threatened to spoil Scott Pendlebury’s milestone with an almighty comeback. There was one last chance, when Mitch McGovern - who was one of the Blues’ best with 11 intercepts on the night - marked 45 out just before time was out, but his resultant set shot after the siren failed to score as the Blues fell by three points.
Best: P. Cripps, J. Weitering, N. Newman, G. Hewett, E. Hollands, S. Walsh.
Heartstopper! Pies give Pendles a 400th to remember in Blues upset
Mitch McGovern missed a shot after the siren as Collingwood celebrated Scott Pendlebury's milestone in a thriller. - By Josh Gabelich at the MCGCollingwood has marked Scott Pendlebury's 400th game in the most dramatic fashion possible with a pulsating three-point win over Carlton after Mitch McGovern missed a shot after the final siren. Carlton had come from the clouds to almost ruin the milestone game and end the Magpies' premiership defence, but McGovern sprayed his shot wide as Collingwood held on to salute one of the greatest players in the club's history. The Magpies led by 32 points three minutes into the fourth quarter when Jamie Elliott nailed the first goal after the final break and looked home, before Michael Voss' side kicked the final five goals of the game to storm home. But it wasn't enough. McGovern almost made Collingwood pay for some last-quarter mistakes after Marc Pittonet found the defender inside 50 with a quick kick forward with 22 seconds left on the clock. With so much on the line, McGovern's shot from just inside 50 sailed right.
The Magpies haven't produced many performances to remember since last September, but Saturday night's 12.12 (84) to 11.15 (81) win at the MCG has breathed life into their slim finals chances. After finishing June at 11-4 to sit firmly in the top four, the Blues could end the weekend in eighth place after dropping a fourth game from their last five appearances. With three rounds to play in 2024, both clubs could be without an important midfielder for the rest of August after Adam Cerra and Jordan De Goey were substituted out due to hamstring injuries. Charlie Curnow ended the game dealing with an ankle injury, while Matt Cottrell hurt his shoulder. Pendlebury became just the sixth player in VFL/AFL history to reach the milestone and showed he isn't slowing down, completing six days of celebration in style by collecting 27 disposals, 14 contested possessions, nine clearances and six inside 50s. Nick Daicos continued his brilliant season by finishing with 28 disposals, 15 contested possessions and seven intercepts and you could throw a blanket over the rest, with the Magpies rediscovering their 2023 DNA.
The game lived up to the occasion from the outset. No one kicked a goal early, but it felt like a final. Pendlebury set the tone in his milestone game, throwing his body in and dancing through traffic like he has done since 2006. He was the only one on the ground with time early. It took 18 minutes for De Goey to put the first goal on the board after the Magpies swept coast to coast courtesy of a shrewd Jeremy Howe kick-in. Pendlebury then hit the post from deep in the pocket that almost erupted the MCG. When the Magpies swept out of defence again later in the quarter, Daicos finished the work, making Carlton pay for starting the game with eight consecutive behinds, before Harry McKay dribbled a mercurial goal from the boundary to level the scores on the siren. The game didn't need it, but Mason Cox incited the Carlton faithful with a cheeky celebration after slotting a set shot at the city end. Daicos put the ball down Dan McStay's throat 20 seconds later to create some early headaches for Michael Voss. With Beau McCreery back in the side after missing five weeks with a calf strain, Collingwood had its pressure game back. Bobby Hill and Lachie Schultz bought in. McCreery was the one. The South Australian's breakneck speed was infectious. But just when the Magpies had control, Carlton kicked back-to-back goals in minutes, the first via a Elijah Hollands set shot, the second from Lachie Fogarty's smother and follow up. Collingwood responded on the back of the two players that inject energy into the group. McCreery nailed Jesse Motlop holding the ball in a crunching tackle. Then Cox kicked a second and let Nic Newman know all about it.
Collingwood has been a shadow of the side that went all the way in 2024, but rediscovered its mojo on Saturday night. Jack Crisp kept the pressure on to start the second half, sweeping through from a stoppage to give Collingwood the first goal. Then McCreery's elite pressure created a second minutes later. With its season hanging in the balance, Collingwood showed up. Both clubs had plenty on the line. Carlton gunning for a double chance. Collingwood fighting to stay alive. The Magpies absorbed the Blues' punches, but then De Goey hopped 50m off the ground deep in time-on and went straight downstairs into the rooms, departing for potentially the last time this season. The game changed in the final 30 minutes. Patrick Cripps stepped up, almost dragging the Blues over the line. But the game finished on McGovern's boot and didn't finish with a score. Carlton no longer looks like the premiership threat it did at the start of winter.
Déjà vu for star Blue
Adam Cerra was in the hunt for his first John Nicholls Medal before he strained his hamstring last year. Since then, the former Docker has endured a nightmare run. Five hamstring strains in just over 12 months. Cerra didn't reach half-time on Saturday night and might not feature until September – if the Blues get there.
Best: P. Cripps, N. Newman, M. McGovern, G. Hewett, E. Hollands, S. Walsh.
Voss on momentum shifts
Michael Voss admits consistency needs to be at play for longer in games. - By Carlton MediaA game of momentum shifts. It was a see-saw of territory battles at the MCG on Saturday night when the Blues challenged the Pies, but it was the old enemy that took hold of the occasion and secured a three-point victory. Carlton Senior Coach Michael Voss admits that his side needs to double down on their consistency across four quarters and acknowledged that the Blues made strides towards this in the Round 21 clash. Here's what he had to say.
On the fightback from the group:
"There were some genuine momentum shifts. We’ve been in a position where we couldn’t get the scoreboard there for a little while and I thought Collingwood were able to put some plays together that we couldn’t stop. "It looked like there was a point in time where they could’ve got away from but I was really pleased that our group decided not to give up. They never gave up, they went to the line, and we gave ourselves the opportunity. "I was really disappointed in one part but enormously proud that we were able to fight that game out to the end when we could’ve chosen something else."
On the players who stood up in the last quarter and embraced moments:
"Cripps was big. There were a few guys that were big in that moment, unfortunately, we were pretty clear on what we wanted to get done, we’ve had 24 inside 50s, that is astronomical in the last quarter, we had the dominance. "When you have repeat entries like we had, it can be hard to score because of where everyone is. The needle started to move for us and we started to get a few more opportunities and that’s what this game is made of. "It’s made of moments and there will be a lot spoken about 'Gov’s' last moment but that wasn’t the only moment we needed to get right. From the last month, that’s probably the best footy we’ve played, so we just have to take that form in the last quarter and lead into next week and get onto our next opponent."
On playing better footy for longer:
"When you look at the scoreboard, it says it’s not in our favour. We had a real shift in the way we wanted to play. We had the energy to match them around the ball with pressure, so I felt like we had more energy for that. "We had some dips through the third quarter so we need to pick up our game there, but we’ve been playing some good footy for two quarters and then we’ve had two poor quarters. That one was probably closer to three and one we let ourselves down on."
On the injuries to Cerra, Cottrell and Curnow:
"We’ll get Cerra’s hamstring scanned, we’ll have to see where that is. Cottrell had the shoulder, so we were down to three men on the bench. Then Charlie came off with the ankle late, we’ll see how that pulls up but he was able to come back on the ground." On the last-quarter opportunities in the front half: "We were certainly getting looks. We were aiming up at contests and getting some forward ascendency and there were individuals that were doing very well through that part of hte game. When you’ve got numbers like that jumping up and crashing into each other, it’s pretty hard to track."
On the push for finals late in the season:
"Time says that and the games left says that. For us, everyone is urgent and we’ll stay composed through it as well. I thought tonight was a step in the right direction, we understand we’re not completely ‘back in connection through all phases of the game’, so that’s something we have to keep working on. "The good thing about it is it’s all in our control and we’ve got our next opponents and we’ll go at them as hard as we can and finish off the best we can. "When you don’t play with that edge and you’re not quite going at 100 per cent, that has a say and so does the opposition."
On the opposition faced in the last month:
"They’ve been pretty good and some of the form lines of the teams you’re talking about have been pretty fair. GWS and Western Bulldogs have been pretty handy teams, and Collingwood over time has been a pretty handy team. "Right at the moment, it’s not as consistent as we want it and for long enough. When you play against good sides, that’s what they challenge. "Good games like tonight, if I’m sitting there as a spectator, it was a pretty good game to watch, it was tough, it was hard to get metres, we got stuck in our back half for large periods of time and so did they, that has a very finals feel to it. If that’s the exposure we’ve got, then that sets us up very well for the next three weeks."
On the return of Jack Martin:
"He was good. He certainly has done good prep to get in, we had to be patient for obvious reasons. He’s a very important player to us with the way he plays and his presence in the forward line is much needed. "Now it’s really for us to create cohesion, settle the team down a little bit, and not make a hell of a lot of changes just so we can build the chemistry within each line and we can dig into things we need to make a little more consistent."
Team
| B: | 37 Jordan Boyd | 23 Jacob Weitering | 42 Adam Saad |
| HB: | 17 Brodie Kemp | 11 Mitch McGovern | 24 Nic Newman |
| C: | 13 Blake Acres | 9 Patrick Cripps (c) | 46 Matt Cottrell |
| HF: | 20 Elijah Hollands | 10 Harry McKay | 21 Jack Martin |
| F: | 8 Lachie Fogarty | 30 Charlie Curnow | 3 Jesse Motlop |
| Ruck: | 27 Marc Pittonet | 18 Sam Walsh | 5 Adam Cerra |
| Interchange: | 39 Alex Cincotta | 29 George Hewett | 4 Ollie Hollands |
| 44 Matt Owies | |||
| Substitute: | 7 Matt Kennedy | ||
| Coach: | Michael Voss | ||
| Emergencies: | 2 Lachlan Cowan | 16 Jack Carroll | 33 Lewis Young |
In; Jordan Boyd, Blake Acres, Harry McKay, Jack Martin.
Out: Lewis Young (Omitted), Jack Carroll (Omitted), Lachlan Cowan (Omitted), David Cuningham (shoulder).
Substitute: Matthew Kennedy (replaced Adam Cerra in the second quarter).
Milestones
1. 150 Games (AFL): Jack Martin2. 200 games in the No. 9: Patrick Cripps (he wore No.16 in his first three games).
3. Collingwood great Scott Pendlebury would play his 400th game in this clash, whilst not a Blue it's still a milestone worth acknowledging.
Interesting Facts
1. Charlie Curnow goalkicking streak has finally ended after 66 consecutive games of kicking at least 1 goal a match, the last time he was held goal-less was Round 1, 2022 vs Richmond.Free Kicks
Carlton 21Collingwood 16
Front Runners
Oliver Hollands 16.5kmBlake Acres 17.7km
Sam Walsh 15.2km
George Hewett 14.4km
AFLCA Votes
9 - Patrick Cripps (CARL)6 - Scott Pendlebury (COLL)
5 - Nick Daicos (COLL)
3 - George Hewett (CARL)
3 - Darcy Cameron (COLL)
2 - Jeremy Howe (COLL)
1 - Darcy Moore (COLL)
1 - Jacob Weitering (CARL)
Brownlow Votes
3 - Patrick Cripps (CARL)2 - Nick Daicos (COLL)
1 - George Hewett (CARL)
Best and Fairest Votes
Video
Round 20 | Round 22