Carlton v Melbourne: AFL live scores, blog
Columnist By Cameron Rose, 27 May 2012 Cameron Rose is a Roar Expert
- Tagged:
- AFL, Brett Ratten, Carlton Blues, Colin Sylvia, live blog, Mark Neeld, Matthew Kreuzer, Melbourne Demons
Andrew Walker and Eddie Betts celebrate (Slattery Images)
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Carlton take on Melbourne at the MCG this afternoon, with the Blues looking to respond after two demoralising losses on the trot. Join us from 3.15pm AEST for live scores and commentary.
After three rounds the Blues were riding high as premiership favourites, undefeated with a percentage of 194.7 after momentum building wins against Richmond and Brisbane before performing a demolition job Collingwood on the grand stage of Friday night football.
It was hard not to be impressed by the stoppage work of Chris Judd and Andrew Carrazzo, the run and link of Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs, and the multi-faceted forward set-up delivering goals at will.
Kruezer and Hampson were a dangerous ruck/forward duo, and the defence was a team within a team, banding together to repel opposition entries.
Then came a clash with the Bombers who, identifying what they believed to be a frailty against physical opposition, intimidated the Blues with force and attack on the ball and man.
Sam Lonergan set the scene by shattering Carrazzo’s shoulder in the opening minutes, which left the renowned tagger ‘disappointed’.
Probably the same feeling that his team’s supporters were feeling at the lack of hardness shown by Carlton on the day.
What Essendon believed turned out to be true, and soon enough St Kilda and Adelaide followed suit, not just beating Carlton, but savaging them, breaking more bones in the process.
Murphy’s shoulder the latest to be mangled after coming off second best to a Patrick Dangerfield bump.
From round four onwards, Carlton’s win-loss record stands at 2-3 with a percentage of 89. Take out a walk in the park against GWS, and they are 1-3 and 72.
Hardly the record of a side with finals aspirations, much less a vaunted premiership contender.
Of course, no respect can be won today against a Melbourne outfit that is a basket-case at best, and should be sent for a spell in the VFL at worst.
It’s difficult to comprehend just how it has gotten so badly so quickly for the hapless Dees, and most have had their crack at it.
After a win over Collingwood in the NAB Cup, supporters ‘played down’ the victory, even though privately their hearts leapt.
“Finally,” they whispered to each other.
“A hard edge to go with our talent-laden list, put together with high draft picks over the course of years at the bottom of the ladder. This will be the year we break our finals drought, with top four to follow in 2013.”
Unfortunately for these supporters, this year they have learned one of life’s hardest lessons – the greater the hope, the heavier the despair.
But nine rounds in, despair is but a dot in the rear-view mirror, replaced by a numbness borne of grieving with a heavy heart.
The Melbourne players, with some notable exceptions, particularly Nathan Jones and Mitch Clark, have been accused of lacking desire, and seen to be poorly skilled.
A marriage of these two components is not going to end happily on the field, and the proof has been there for all to see.
In a nutshell, they can’t get their hands on the ball, and can’t keep it when they do.
At the selection table, the hard-talking Mark Neeld has dropped Aaron Davey a month too late, Colin Sylvia has been given his umpteenth wake-up call, while Cale Morton is a soft, outside runner with poor skill and shouldn’t pull on an AFL jumper for the rest of the year.
Can the Dee’s cause an upset? The simple answer is ‘no’, even though there are probably 15 or 16 teams who would fancy their chances against the Blues this week, such is the extent to which Carlton’s season has derailed.
Such is the nature of ‘car-crash’ football, most neutrals I talk to are hoping for either a one goal Melbourne victory, or the Blues to triumph by 120 points.
Unfortunately for those that love slowing down to see the wreckage, I don’t see either happening.
Carlton by 49 points.
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Cameron Rose is a born and bred Melbournian, raised on a regime of AFL, cricket and horse racing. He likes people who agree with him but loves those that don't, for in his mind there is nothing better than a roaring debate. He tweets from @camtherose.
The Crowd Says (85) | Page 1 of Comments
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- AFL, Brett Ratten, Carlton Blues, Colin Sylvia, live blog, Mark Neeld, Matthew Kreuzer, Melbourne Demons
9:43pm
zacbrygel said | 9:43pm | Report comment
Im sorry to say but it was a terrible game to watch up until the last quarter. Melbourne are completely rubbish and carlton arent any better than an average team.
5:59pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:59pm | Report comment
Thanks for joining me today, and don’t forget to have a look at my take on the Tigers bright future after their win over the Hawks in tomorrow’s edition of The Roar.
5:58pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:58pm | Report comment
So, an uninspiring contest comes to a close, and result was as it was always destined to be.
The Blues had the all 411 times to Melbourne’s 340, and also led the tackles 89-73. After the inside 50′s were even at 3/4 time, Carlton got on top 59-50.
The same old problems for the Dees today, but at least they cracked in, and provided a genuine contest. In fact, they still had some hope of winning the game early in the last quarter, before it was a seven goals to none to finish.
Melbourne were better than they have been, and Carlton will take the four points, but not much more save for the form of the unheralded types like McLean and Ellard.
Robinson was impressive all day, and Andrew Walker showed his talent floating through the middle and finishing with a couple of goals as well.
The Blues will finish the round in sixth position on the ladder, and travel to Port next week, while the Demons have to face Essendon at the MCG, where another loss awaits.
5:52pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:52pm | Report comment
DISPOSALS
Carl: McLean, Robinson 33, Ellard 30, Simpson 26, Gibbs, Walker 25
Melb: Jones 27, Bail, Grimes, Frawley 24, Watts 23
5:51pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:51pm | Report comment
FULL TIME
CARLTON 15.17 107 d MELBOURNE 6.13.49
GOALS
Carl: Betts 5, Robinson 3, Walker, Hampson 2, Armfield, Kruezer, Tuohy 1
Melb: Clark 3, Howe, Blease, Jones 1
5:49pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:49pm | Report comment
Line bettors getting nervous as it was 52.5, and the margin is 52.
Joseph clears from deep to Ellard, who finds Kruezer, but Rivers sends it back, only to be marked by Ellard again.
Happy to just mark time and build their Dreamteam points now.
Judd finds Betts on the lead, who marks 20m out, and will line up for his fifth.
He kicks the final goal of the match on the siren.
Carl 15.17.107
Melb 6.13.49
0 to go 4th Quarter
5:46pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:46pm | Report comment
Judd is released, and forward he goes. Warnock hands it to Betts, who finishes sweetly from 50m, his 4th goal.
The margin is 52 points now, but it hasn’t been a stellar performance from Carlton.
Carl 14.17.101
Melb 6.13.49
2 to go 4th Quarter
5:44pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:44pm | Report comment
Robinson bashes it forward by hand, as good as a kick, and the Carlton forward all want another goal. It’s cleared through Grimes and Jamar.
Jamison sends it back, but Watts drops back to mark, and accpets a 50m penalty after some late treatment from Betts. Nothing in it though.
Throw in deep in Melbourne’s fifty, and Simpson clears, but Gibbs puts it out on the full.
Carl 13.17.95
Melb 6.13.49
3 to go 4th Quarter
5:41pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:41pm | Report comment
The Dees go forward, and Bennell swoops out the back, but only hits the post from 8m out.
Carlton clears it for a throw in on the wing. Both sides happy to wait for the final siren now.
Bootsma sets up Betts, who goes long to Hampson, who will surely kick this one after marking 10m out.
He does.
Carl 13.17.95
Melb 6.13.49
4 to go 4th Quarter
5:39pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:39pm | Report comment
Scotland clears to Walker who creates a contest, and Simpson finds the crumbs. His snap just misses.
The Watts kick in is marked by Hampson, and Neeld doesn’t seem to be the happiest about it.
Hampson shanks it out on the full, and Watts will get another chance.
Carl 12.17.89
Melb 6.12.48
6 to go 4th Quarter
5:37pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:37pm | Report comment
Clark shows a lightness of foot deep in his forward line, but his work is only finished with a snapped behind.
Gibbs kicks long to Robinson, a beautifully weighted kick to his advantage running into goal, which he does after taking the mark.
Carl 12.16.88
Melb 6.12.48
8 to go 4th Quarter
5:35pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:35pm | Report comment
Nicholson has been far from Melbourne’s worst today, getting a bit of it in the back half, seems a smart type.
Walker goes long from outside 50, but just pulls the kick.
Carl 11.16.82
Melb 6.11.47
9 to go 4th Quarter
5:33pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:33pm | Report comment
Demons still desperate, not giving in despite the game having slipped away.
A few stoppages before it gets out in the open, Blease using his pace to get away. Magner sends it long to Howe, and Clark goes long but Warnock intercepts.
Andrew Collins seems to have suffered a knee injury of some sort, and is being helped from the ground.
Carl 11.15.81
Melb 6.11.47
11 to go 4th Quarter
5:29pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:29pm | Report comment
Kruezer working into the game a bit today, has been okay after a terribly disappointing month.
Clark snaps a behind after getting a loose ball. Actually pretty good in the air and on the ground this year.
It goes down the other end though and Judd sets up Walker for an easy goal.
Carl 11.15.81
Melb 6.11.47
13 to go 4th Quarter
5:27pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:27pm | Report comment
Trengove and Nicholson combine to send Melbourne forward through Watts, but Bootsma stops him in his tracks, enabling the Blues to clear through Walker and Scotland.
Frawley outmanouvers Simpson and marks unopposed.
Carl 10.15.75
Melb 6.10.46
14 to go 4th Quarter
5:30pm
Ian Whitchurch said | 5:30pm | Report comment
Demons are losing the tackels *and* the possession count again.
Unforgivable – if the other side has more of the ball, you need to be wrapping arms around them.
5:25pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:25pm | Report comment
A couple of stoppages on the outer wing see the game slowed once more, but Judd wins a free for a hold, and the Blues sweep it forward for Betts to swoop on to the loose ball and kick his third.
It’s over as a contest now, so it’s about damage control for the Dees.
Carl 10.15.75
Melb 6.10.46
16 to go 4th Quarter
5:23pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:23pm | Report comment
Robinson wins a free at the centre bounce, and Gibbs snaps a behind after Kruezer finds him.
Can the Demons respond? There’s no doubt they want to, but the ability simply isn’t there.
Carl 9.15.69
Melb 6.10.46
17 to go 4th Quarter
5:21pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:21pm | Report comment
The ball is deep in the Carlton forward line and Ellard finds a loose ball, handpassing to Kruezer who snaps cleanly for a goal.
Carl 9.14.68
Melb 6.10.46
18 to go 4th Quarter
5:22pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:22pm | Report comment
May have been McLean instead of Ellard, both have been important today.
5:20pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:20pm | Report comment
Contested possessions Carlton’s way 124-106 and clearances also favouring the Blues 38-20 as we resume.
Jones kicks it forward, and it eludes all except the skinny Bootsma who has had an impact today. His clearing kick goes out of bounds.
Carl 8.14.62
Melb 6.10.46
19 to go 4th Quarter
5:16pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:16pm | Report comment
Much of the same that quarter, most of the game played in close, with plenty of players around the ball, forcing stoppages.
The Demons tenacity is to be admired, but it’s amazing to think how far the Blues have fallen from the early part of the season when they were running rampant.
All they’ll want now is the four points, and they should get them.
Carlton leading the possession count 290-260, and also the tackles 68-57. Inside 50′s are 50 apiece.
5:14pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:14pm | Report comment
DISPOSALS
Carlton: McLean, Robinson 25, Ellard 23, Simpson 20 (Judd 14)
Melbounre: Bail 21, Grimes, Frawley 20, Jones 19
5:13pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:13pm | Report comment
THREE QUARTER TIME
Carlton 8.14.62
Melbourne 6.10.46
GOALS
Carlton: Robinson, Betts 2, Armfield, Hampson, Tuohy, Walker 1
Melbourne: Clark 3, Howe, Blease, Jones 1
5:11pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:11pm | Report comment
Only one goal each this quarter, it has been a real grind.
Warnock taps to Judd, who explodes from half back with three bounces, a bright piece of play on a dark day overall.
He sends it inside 50, but nothing can come of it as the Demon defence holds firm.
A ball up on the outer wing, and a goal either way in the last minute would be crucial.
Carl 8.14.62
Melb 6.10.46
1 to go 3rd Quarter
5:08pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:08pm | Report comment
Half forward for Melbourne, and they would dearly love a goal to give them some spark and belief.
Once more though, it’s stoppage after stoppage after stoppage.
Watts gets tackled by Bootsma, who wins the free, and the Blues clear.
Joseph finds McLean, and some tempo footy is being employed now.
Armfield has been subbed off for Carlton, replaced by Lucas.
Carl 8.14.62
Melb 6.10.46
2 to go 3rd Quarter
5:06pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:06pm | Report comment
Watching Collins running around for the Blues today, it’s clear that Richmond did very well to get Grigg for him.
Robinson goes long forward again, and another rushed behind results. They’re getting scores, but no goals when they go forward.
The Dees rebound, and Frawley goes long for goal, but pushes it.
Carl 8.14.62
Melb 6.10.46
4 to go 3rd Quarter
5:04pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:04pm | Report comment
Kruezer wins the ball up forward and hands it off to Garlett who hits the post, missing what he should have kicked.
Bower reloads for the Blues, and sends a searching ball forward. A behind is rushed through after a long Robinson ball.
Dees need to use composure with ball in hand, and the go forward to Sellar who almost takes a pack mark, but a boundary throw in it is.
Carl 8.13.61
Melb 6.9.45
5 to go 3rd Quarter
5:01pm
Cameron Rose said | 5:01pm | Report comment
Desperation is still high from both sides, and the longer Melbourne can stay with them, the more frustrated the Carlton players will become.
Blease runs it inside 50 and has a shot at goal, but misses. Feel like they need to take every chance though.
Carl 8.11.59
Melb 6.9.45
7 to go 3rd Quarter
4:59pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:59pm | Report comment
Well-tattooed is Nathan Jones, plenty of ink on his arms.
A secondary stoppage results from the centre bounce once more, before Jones clears, but it’s chopped off by Joseph, and there’s a throw in at half forward for the Blues.
Not much happening here, the Dees chipping it around their backline, with the Blues seemingly happy to sweat on a mistake, which occurs, but Jones mops it up.
Carl 8.11.59
Melb 6.8.44
9 to go 3rd Quarter
4:55pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:55pm | Report comment
Moloney tries to clear, but Curnow runs onto it, only to be tackled by Dunn.
Blues up 31-14 in clearances at this stage. Haven’t seen this many multiple stoppages in a row for quite some time in a match.
Curnow clears, and Betts is clever to Simpson who uses Robinson. The ball is pumped long for a behind.
The ball is rebounded for a throw-in in the Melbourne forward pocket, and Jones wins the hard ball and attracts high contact, winning a free.
Not his best day, but he’s been one of their best this year, and he kicks truly here.
Carl 8.11.59
Melb 6.8.44
11 to go 3rd Quarter
4:52pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:52pm | Report comment
Bail goes long to Clark, but Jamsion outmarks him smartly. If the Bail kick was better, it could have been a goal completely agains the flow for the Dees.
Ellard pumps it inside 50, and the pressure is on the Demon defence, which they are ill-equipped to handle as Walker jumps on the loose ball and snaps truly.
Carl 8.10.58
Melb 5.8.38
13 to go 3rd Quarter
4:50pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:50pm | Report comment
Collins and Simpson clear, setting up the run of McLean, but his forward entry amounts to a boundary throw in only.
It’s quite willing in the contest out there, with no quarter asked for and none being given. You feel that the Dees are just hanging in there though, which is important.
A few stoppages in a row in the forward pocket for the Blues, not the first time it’s happened.
Judd tries to break free, but can’t quite make something happen. Eventually McLean sends it forward, but marked by McDonald.
Carl 7.10.52
Melb 5.8.38
15 to go 3rd Quarter
4:47pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:47pm | Report comment
A couple of behinds to open the term for Carlton, and the Dees try to make it count the other way, but Grimes misses.
Jones switches to Frawley, who is normally a decent user, but he doesn’t quite get Sellar, and the Blues can rebound.
Carl 7.10.52
Melb 5.8.38
17 to go 3rd Quarter
4:44pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:44pm | Report comment
The second half is upon us, and is there the sniff of an upset in the air? Perhaps not, but hope has not yet forsaken these lands.
Looks like Dunn has possibly been given a defensive role on Robinson, and he wins a free from off the ball, but sends it forward ineffectlvely.
Carl 7.8.50
Melb 5.7.37
19 to go 3rd Quarter
4:27pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:27pm | Report comment
The Blues kicked 4.5 to 2.3 that quarter, asserting their authority in the first half of the quarter, but still grinding more than they’d want, and you’d think most teams would be in front of them if they were playing anyone else.
The Dees could have folded there, but resisted, and tried hard to get back in the game, which they did through Clark’s last goal to keep themselves in touch.
Not many are going to IQ’ing this match to watch on replay for the rest of their lives, but it’s been a lively contest, and perhaps will continue to be in the second half.
4:40pm
Ian Whitchurch said | 4:40pm | Report comment
Whats contested possessions and tackles looking like ?
4:45pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:45pm | Report comment
Tackles 43-30 Carlton’s way, which surprises actually, considering that Melbourne’s endeavour has been good.
Don’t have contested stats, but 190 – 172 for overall disposals Carlton’s way.
4:24pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:24pm | Report comment
DISPOSALS
Carlton: Robinson 17, Simpson 16, McLean, Jamison, Ellard 12
Melbourne: Bail 18, Rivers, Grimes 14, Watts 12
4:23pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:23pm | Report comment
HALF TIME
Carlton 7.8.50
Melbourne 5.7.37
GOALS
Carlton: Robinson, Betts 2, Armfield, Hampson, Tuohy 1
Melbourne: Clark 3, Howe, Blease 1
4:21pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:21pm | Report comment
Warnock snaps a behind after Judd finds him with three blokes hanging off him.
Carl 7.8.50
Melb 5.7.37
0 to go 2nd Quarter
4:21pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:21pm | Report comment
Robinson gets the clearance, been the most influential player on the ground so far.
Curnow puts it to the advantage of Garlett, and Armfield gets on the end of it with a flying shot at goal, but the kick is pulled.
Blues not having it as easy as they’d like, but they reload here and search for another goal before half time.
Carl 7.7.49
Melb 5.7.37
1 to go 2nd Quarter
4:18pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:18pm | Report comment
Dees scrapping hard in the last five minutes or so, causing a few stoppages, and trying to not let the ball get out in space where Carlton has the clear edge.
Jamison wins a free and finds Garlett on the outer wing, who switches it back, and they chip it around for a bit, searching for a hole. They can’t, and the Dees force a turnover.
It ends in the arms of Mitch Clark again, and from the boundary he snaps his third. What a bright light he has been for them this year.
Carl 7.6.48
Melb 5.7.37
3 to go 2nd Quarter
4:15pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:15pm | Report comment
Dunn has been trying hard, but instead of strawberry jam is producing the other stuff, and a shot off the ground goes out on the full.
Howe jumps hard at the ball, as is his way, and he collects the courageous Tapscott, and they both go down, recovering slowly.
Watts looks for Dunn, but Simpson clears, and we’ll see a throw in at half forward for the Dees.
Carl 7.6.48
Melb 4.7.31
4 to go 2nd Quarter
4:13pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:13pm | Report comment
Robinson marks strongly deep in defence, and the Blues are away. Curnow uses Collins, who chips it to the leading Walker, who marks well clear of his opponent.
Carlton getting away with it now on the spread.
Walker, from 45m out on a 45 degree angle, pulls it for no score, but Garlett and Betts apply pressure. The Dees clear though, and Dunn uses some guile to win the ball and hit Mitch Clark 25m out.
He starts it online, but it fades for a behind.
Carl 7.6.48
Melb 4.7.31
6 to go 2nd Quarter
4:10pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:10pm | Report comment
Magner kicks it hurriedly forward from the centre bounce, and a stoppage results at half forward for the Dees, followed by a second one, and a third one.
The ump finds a free this time, clearly sick of bouncing the ball in the same spot. Jamar will take the kick from just outside 50.
He pulls it, for a behind.
Carl 7.6.48
Melb 4.6.30
8 to go 2nd Quarter
4:07pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:07pm | Report comment
Jamar and Moloney try to get some momentum going Melbourne’s way, but to no avail.
Joseph sets up Warnock who goes long, and Kruezer tries to create a goal. Armfield marks it fortuitously, and will line up from 15m out.
He puts it through, with something on it.
Carl 7.6.48
Melb 4.5.29
9 to go 2nd Quarter
4:06pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:06pm | Report comment
After sweeping it from half back through Robinson, Tuohy thumps it through from long range.
The Blues are getting busy now, kicking five of the last six.
Carl 6.6.42
Melb 4.5.29
10 to go 2nd Quarter
4:04pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:04pm | Report comment
Blues go forward again, as we find out that Green is off to the hospital with suspected bleeding in the lungs.
Ellard goes himself, but can’t finish, and the Dees surge through Bail, and Dunn tries to pull one out, but only hits the post.
Carl 5.6.36
Melb 4.5.29
11 to go 2nd Quarter
4:02pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:02pm | Report comment
Watts is tackled, releasing the ball too easily. Kruezer swoops, and sends it long to Betts who wins a free.
From 20m out on a helpful angle for the right footer, he makes no mistake.
Carl 5.5.35
Melb 4.4.28
12 to go 2nd Quarter
4:01pm
Cameron Rose said | 4:01pm | Report comment
Scotland and Curnow combine for the clearance, and Gibbs finds Walker, who sends it long to Hampson on the lead.
Can have plenty of quiet days, Hampson, but no so today, looking good.
He doesn’t make the distance from about 45m at best.
Green has been subbed off for Melbourne, and Bennell is activated.
Carl 4.5.29
Melb 4.4.28
13 to go 2nd Quarter
3:59pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:59pm | Report comment
Judd releases the youth of Bootsma, all skin and skin, for a forward movement. Judd runs onto it again inside fifty, but misses the goal, which was an easy shot for someone of his class.
Frawley and Rivers battling manfully down back, and one sense that they’ll be under siege many times. The switch is on, and Bail sends it long to a moving Clark, who marks strongly.
From 50m out, he times it well, and it sails through to level the scores.
Carl 4.4.28
Melb 4.4.28
15 to go 2nd Quarter
3:56pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:56pm | Report comment
The Blues grab the lead for the first time, and most would think that they won’t relinquish it.
Nice linking play from the back half by Melbourne, but the kick inside 50 is sloppy, and Dunn tries a checkside on the run, but only puts it out on the full.
Simpson carving it up, and Lingy suggesting that no one is running with him.
McLean has been industrious, and gets a clearance on the outer side, but Rivers chops it off.
Carl 4.3.27
Melb 3.4.22
17 to go 2nd Quarter
3:53pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:53pm | Report comment
Away we go in the second half, and we wait for the inevitable surge from Carlton to take control of this gamee.
They clear it from the get-go and Robinson bashes and crashes through a pack to kick his second. Ellard involved again, handing that one off.
Carl 4.3.27
Melb 3.4.22
19 to go 2nd Quarter
3:50pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:50pm | Report comment
Disppointing second half of the quarter for Melbourne, the goals they concede are just so easy, while they have to do most things right for theirs.
Carlton uninspired so far.
3:47pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:47pm | Report comment
GOALS
Carl: Robinson, Hampson, Betts 1
Melb: Howe, Clark, Blease 1
DISPOSALS
Carl: Simpson 10, Ellard 9
Melb: Rivers 11, Bail 9, Grimes 9
3:46pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:46pm | Report comment
Eddie Betts marks a Robinson ball on the goal line, after the latter wins an off the ball free. He kicks the goal after the siren.
QUARTER TIME
Carlton 3.3.21
Melbourne 3.4.22
3:45pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:45pm | Report comment
The crowd getting involved now after an incident or two. Bootsma was dumped over the line, earning a free.
Tapscott tries to scramble a goal, but can’t quite do enough.
Carl 2.3.15
Melb 3.4.22
0 to go 1st Quarter
3:43pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:43pm | Report comment
Bail tries to switch, but his awareness is lacking, and is chopped off by a running Robinson.
Robinson runs into an easy open goal after that.
Dispiriting.
Carl 2.3.15
Melb 3.3.21
1 to go 1st Quarter
3:42pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:42pm | Report comment
Blues trying to lift here, but the Dee’s matching them around the ball, if not beating them for desperation. It’s just a matter of how long they can stick with them, and how many times will they get hurt on the spread.
And that’s what happens here as the Blues run it out of half back with ease through Simpson. Hampson gets on the end of it, taking an easy mark.
From directly in front, no further than 25m out, he puts it out of the full. Wow. Terrible.
Carl 1.3.9
Melb 3.3.21
1 to go 1st Quarter
3:40pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:40pm | Report comment
The Dees can’t clear, but when the Blues go forward again, Watts marks.
Ellard has been busy for Carlton, I don’t mind him as a player actually, something of a stoppage specialist who will get more time in the middle with no Carrazzo and Murphy.
Dees go long, and Green’s hard work sets up a Clark snapped goal.
Carl 1.3.9
Melb 3.3.21
3 to go 1st Quarter
3:37pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:37pm | Report comment
So the Blues aren’t going to suffer the ignominy of a goalless quarter against the competition cellar-dwellar, but they’d still want to be in front by quarter time.
Judd and Ellard combine out of a stoppage to send it deep, but Tom Macdonald resists and forces a ball up.
Warnock taps to Ellard, who wins the softest free i’ve seen this round.
From 20m out on an angle, he pushes it right, and a just result for mine.
Carl 1.3.9
Melb 2.3.15
5 to go 1st Quarter
3:34pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:34pm | Report comment
Kruezer gets a free from out of bounds on the full, and sends it long to Hampson who marks strongly against Rivers.
Can take a grab, and kicks a goal. Will presumably be rewarded by Megan Gale for that one.
Carl 1.2.8
Melb 2.3.15
6 to go 1st Quarter
3:33pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:33pm | Report comment
Dees win the clearance and send it long, but the Blues clear. Cometti was able to fit in some sexual innuendo there after a Jamison/Clark grapple.
Simpson sends the Blues forward on his right foot, but the pass is imprecise and a ball up results, followed by a secondary stoppage.
Robinson is thrown into the boards by Magner and Bail, and reacts poorly to it. The game has lifted here, a bit happening.
Robinson kicks a behind.
Carl 0.2.2
Melb 2.3.15
7 to go 1st Quarter
3:30pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:30pm | Report comment
Clark applies great pressure and Blease snaps a magical goal from the boundary!
The Blues incredibly flat at the moment
Carl 0.1.1
Melb 2.3.15
9 to go 1st Quarter
3:29pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:29pm | Report comment
Mitch Clark earns a free, with the umpire deciding that Jamison had eyes only for him, and took him out of the marking contest.
He’s been a revelation actually, has Clark, but misses this badly from 20m out on a slight angle.
Carl 0.1.1
Melb 1.3.9
10 to go 1st Quarter
3:28pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:28pm | Report comment
Watts enjoying his newfound role behind the role, 34 touches last week from memory, and looks okay here. He is a good distributor when he has time, so it’s not a bad move.
The Blues haven’t come to play in the slightest here, looking as poor as they did early against GWS a few weeks ago. The Dee’s outdoing them in the commitment stakes.
Nicholson outsmarts Garlett at half back, setting up Blease, who sends it deep and a ball up 20m out from the Melbourne goal results.
The Blues clear though, but only as far as McKenzie, who uses Watts to set up Howe, but he butchers it inside 50.
Carl 0.1.1
Melb 1.2.8
11 to go 1st Quarter
3:24pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:24pm | Report comment
Robbie Warnock in for his first game today as the Blues are ridiculously playing three ruckmen. It is a dead certainty that one of them will be subbed off if there are no injuries, and at least one of them will have no impact on the game.
Grimes has a free at half forward, and switches, releasing Frawley, who goes long. Howe crumbs it and snaps it like the good footballer he is.
Carl 0.1.1
Melb 1.2.8
13 to go 1st Quarter
3:21pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:21pm | Report comment
Frawley wins a free for high contact deep in defence, and clears for the Dee’s, they’re looking okay, dominating possession in the early minutes.
A couple of throw-ins at the Melb half-forward line, and Judd wins a free for a hold at the stoppage, and released Gibbs, but Rivers chops it off.
Bail kicks it forward to Dunn, but he pulls out of the contest and allows Bower to mark coming back. A worse effort than Josh Hunt from a week ago if you ask me.
Carl 0.1.1
Melb 0.2.2
15 to go 1st Quarter
3:19pm
Sausages said | 3:19pm | Report comment
I might be being completely petty here, but why would Melbourne revert from all red socks to a combination of red/navy socks against the blues of all teams??
#socks
Saus.
3:48pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:48pm | Report comment
A mildly interesting point at best.
3:50pm
Sausages said | 3:50pm | Report comment
Much like your article!!
#pow
3:18pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:18pm | Report comment
The Blues rebounded to defensive fifty, but the Dee’s moved the ball with good movement and skill, setting up Jeremy Howe, the best mark in the Melbourne team.
His set shot is pushed right, and the Blues sweep it down the other end quickly. McLean has a quick shot from close range, but misses.
Carl 0.1.1
Melb 0.2.2
17 to go 1st Quarter
3:14pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:14pm | Report comment
14 degrees and overcast, but my iPhone app suggests that it won’t rain. Can be a temperamental beast, said app, so we’ll take its advice with a grain of salt.
Judd wins the toss and kicks to the right of screen for the home viewers, which is the City end at the ‘G.
3:01pm
Sausages said | 3:01pm | Report comment
Will be watching this one today, but can’t say I have been looking forward to watching for weeks. Certainly not match of the round, nor day for that matter. However, like many neutral followers, I will be torn between cheering on the Dees to get a win and cheering on the blues to crush Melbourne by 100 points plus. The savaging of either losers in such situations by the media would last until next Friday night’s game…
Ultimately I don’t think either side is capable of producing such an effort.
Blues by 40.
Saus.
2:56pm
Cameron Rose said | 2:56pm | Report comment
TAB Sportsbet has the Blues with an expected stranglehold on the betting – $1.08 favourites against the Demons at $8.50.
The line has been set at 52.5 points, and the money has been for Melbourne, into $1.80 to get within the margin. Carlton are at $2 if you think they can win by nine goals or more.
I don’t think you should ever throw money at a really bad side, so i’d have to take the $2 for the Blues over the line.
Andrew Walker at $3.75 for most goals for the game appeals, dangerous in the air and on the ground. If you think Jeff Garlett can get off the chain a few times, he’s paying $8, also worth a nibble.
2:21pm
Cameron Rose said | 2:21pm | Report comment
Late changes aplenty for this match.
Chris Yarran and Lachie Henderson are out for the Blues, being replaced by Kane Lucas and Paul Bower.
Clint Bartram is out for the Dee’s, replaced by Luke Tapscott, a bull of a young man. Surprised that he hasn’t been getting a regular game, i’d have thought he’d be one of the first picked under the Neeld regime.
The subs will be Lucas and Jamie Bennell.
1:29pm
TW said | 1:29pm | Report comment
Some media comments in Perth this week reckon that the top 2 teams in the WAFL and SANFL could beat Melbourne.
Also SA held off a late WA comeback yesterday to win by 14 points in Adelaide.
2:24pm
Cameron Rose said | 2:24pm | Report comment
I don’t think it’s completely out of line to suggest it.
2:50pm
Cameron said | 2:50pm | Report comment
On that, just an idea, could an AFL side play a pre season match against an SANFL or WAFL side as a goodwill gesture? It would no doubt garner interest amongst fans in the state where the game was held and could be seen as a gesture of goodwill between the respective leagues. The SANFL or WAFL side could be last years premiers or a combined “all stars” team comprised of the best players from the respective leagues.
2:59pm
Cameron Rose said | 2:59pm | Report comment
Not a bad idea actually. I think you’d find AFL clubs wouldn’t take any chances with their stars in such a match, but it’s not an unworthy suggestion for a week of the pre-season.
3:05pm
Ian Whitchurch said | 3:05pm | Report comment
The SANFL sides dont want top play AFL sides, or to be feeder sides for AFL sides. They want to win SANFL premierships.
Therefore, I suspect they wont want to risk injuries and whatnot.
3:11pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:11pm | Report comment
I would think they’d like the chance to test themselves agains the big boys, and the individual players would look at is as a chance to impress and get drafted.
Let’s face it though, it’s never going to happen.
3:13pm
Ian Whitchurch said | 3:13pm | Report comment
CameronRose,
Nope. They refuse to play in the Foxtel Cup, for example.
3:16pm
Cameron Rose said | 3:16pm | Report comment
McKenzie wins a free from the first bounce, and Watts sends it forward. Green gets the ground ball, and snaps a behind.
Dee’s in foreign territory with the lead here.
Carl 0.0.0
Melb 0.1.1
19 to go 1st Quarter