Carlton’s AFL finals hopes are all but extinguished after a 28-point loss to the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Given a massive opportunity to bridge the gap to the top eight after eighth-placed Port Adelaide’s loss to Geelong earlier, the Blues couldn’t capitalise.
They were jumped early by an excellent Bulldogs outfit, then ran out of fit bodies as they tried to mount a second-half rearguard action – losing 16.21 (117) to 13.11 (89).
Bulldogs forward Jarrad Grant was best afield, booting four goals and gathering 24 possessions.
Now Carlton can only make the finals if they win their remaining three matches, and Port Adelaide and the other teams in contention fall in a massive hole.
That would appear hugely unlikely.
This was the Blues’ big chance, and a slow start as the Bulldogs played clean, crisp football put them on the backfoot.
Only the Dogs’ wasteful first quarter kicking for goal kept Carlton from being blown away, trailing by five points at quarter-time.
The Bulldogs found their range and radar in the second term, and consecutive goals to Luke Dahlhaus, Grant, Tory Dickson and Liam Jones midway through the quarter pushed their lead out to 28 points.
But the Blues fought back to trail by 15 points at halftime.
With Chris Judd and Brock McLean prominent, Carlton then launched at the Bulldogs.
A nerveless set shot to Dennis Armfield, followed by a goal to Chris Yarran at the 31-minute mark of a marathon third quarter, levelled the scores.
The Dogs still went to the final break six points ahead after Daniel Giansiracusa booted a late goal to set up a grandstand finish.
Down on numbers after defender Matthew Watson was subbed before halftime with an ankle problem and third quarter injuries to Judd and Jeff Garlett reduced them to one fit bench player, the Blues’ charge eventually ran out of steam.
Grant booted his fourth early in the term, and the match was sealed with Adam Cooney slotted a curling goal on the run to make the lead unassailable.
Macca
Guest
The list isn't as bad as people have made out, I think Micks management of it does warrant some questioning though. Nick Graham has hardly been out of the VFL's best since coming back from a knee injury but hasn't been played, Tom Bell has also been a regular in the VFL's best and has I think 3 games this year twice being used as a sub, Menzel was a shining light in the loss on Saturday by all accounts yet this was only his third game and Dylan Buckely has shown plenty at VFL level yet has only got the one senior game despite the small forwards misfiring for most of the year, Levi Casboult was dumped in favour of Rowe yet Casboult looks the better forward and ruckman. Even looking at Matthew Watsons form since coming in (at boths ends of the ground) you can ask why he wasn't played earlier to free up Henderson? In short the better teams have managed to gradually introduce their depth players to senoir footy and uncovered a couple of gems along the way, the blues have been far too conervative and as 2013 comes to the close our young talent has had precious little opportunity to experience the highest level.
Franko
Guest
More akin to a Richmond of previous seasons I'd say, maybe not as bad. Mick will get the Blues there, but it'll take a few years.
Doug Deep
Roar Pro
The list has its flaws, yes, but it has also shown, when on song, it can perform pretty well. It's too easy to say the list is crap, there's more to it than that. It's an inability to overcome mental frailties, along with a lack of fitness and/or unwillingness to run harder that's been hurting us lately. Mental softness has been an issue for a few years now too, which is something of a concern. We're like Geelong "handbags" of the 80s and 90s, except not that good.
Penster
Guest
The list is not good, but the game plan seems ineffective too.
Brendon
Guest
Go Power!!
Steve
Guest
Mick needs to tear the playing list apart. On paper we should be a definite top 8 team, on the field we are simply rubbish. And I'm a massive blues fan.
dahawkacup13
Guest
To believe critics labelled this Carlton mob as a top 4 contender during the preseason. What a joke.
Gezza
Guest
What about when Essendon have their points taken from them? That's gotta hurt!
Radelaide
Guest
Thankyou Doggies!!!