Chris Judd was injured but Carlton posted their first win of the AFL season on Sunday, downing Western Bulldogs by 28 points in a brilliant exhibition of free-flowing football.
A suspected hamstring injury to Judd, playing his first game since undergoing pre-season achilles surgery, was a blot on the Blues’ 18.11 (119) to 13.13 (91) victory at Etihad Stadium.
But it should not take the gloss of a performance chock-full of character, the Blues operating with one fit man on the bench for most of the fourth term after Ed Curnow crashed into a goal post.
The Bulldogs challenged late and trailed by 18 points when Stewart Crameri kicked his fourth goal, the first of the final quarter being a showstopper from the 50m arc.
Crameri was then among a handful of Bulldogs to miss chances and Carlton veteran Heath Scotland kicked the sealer.
Judd returned as the substitute and lasted seven minutes, limping off in the third quarter after an apparent twang followed his second kick.
The frenzied Blues looked a completely different side to that which was embarrassed by Essendon and humiliated by Melbourne in their past two starts.
The club’s leaders, having their credentials questioned throughout the week, stood up with captain Marc Murphy at the fore.
Murphy finished with 28 touches, 11 tackles and quite possibly three Brownlow votes.
Carlton speedster Chris Yarran’s pace and pressure was telling, while Bryce Gibbs had 29 disposals.
Then there were key forwards Jarrad Waite and Lachie Henderson, who menaced a Bulldogs defence minus Dale Morris (suspension) and Jordan Roughead (shoulder).
Waite and Henderson combined for eight goals in a congestion-free contest that wound the clock back – the Sherrin pinballing around the ground and one-on-one contests abounding.
The Blues were also superb at the blue-collar stuff, beating the Bulldogs in tackles (85-71) and contested possessions (150-134).
Whether it be on the last line of defence or streaming through the middle of the ground, the Blues played on with reckless abandon and moved the ball swiftly with great reward,
Confidence – the buzzword uttered by coach Mick Malthouse, Murphy and Henderson throughout the week – was back.
Come the seventh minute of the match, Gibbs’ hurried kick found Henderson on his own and the Blues had the first goal and underlined their new-found bold approach.
By the end of the first quarter, Carlton had already kicked as many goals as they managed in a woeful 23-point loss to the Demons.
At halftime the supposed club in crisis led by 30 points and had 13 goals on the board, already their highest tally in a match this season.
Macca
Guest
funny I have heard some reports that Ellard had a shocker but other reports had him shutting down Murphy, you have to remember he is a defensive forward. Dropping Rowe means Watson comes in, the jury is still out there
Cat
Roar Guru
Sorry macca was just being narky, get tired of the umpiring being blamed. Only watched bits and pieces of the game, just didn't grab my attention. Curious on your opinion of the Judd injury and Malthouses call to use him as the sub after not being able to complete a single full week of training (Judd reportedly did 3 'limited' weeks training prior to the game).
Jack
Guest
I can't see Rowe getting another game . He had 5 possessions and one of them was a 20 metre Kim to a bulldogs player in front of goal. Garlett a chance to replace Ellard who had a shocker
Macca
Guest
Bad news that Bell joins Curnow and Judd on the injured list Jack, I would think Cachia, Buckley and either McLean or Graham will come in
Jack
Guest
I have the feelin mick wanted a taller defender
Gobsmacked
Guest
I am not sure about any mental dependency but in my opinion Judd still has a lot to offer the Blues. He may not be as explosive as he once was but I wouldn't under estimate his leadership and obviously opposition teams would still have to show him respect as he can still be a good inside mid-fielder. Just like to ask the question about what has happened to the push in the back rule. Judd copped one which attributed to his injury but no free kick paid. I see it happening a lot where the player is about to kick and they get a shove in the back but no free is paid.
Strapon1
Guest
Robison is the most over rated player on Carlton's list Judd is almost finished and malthouse should be shown more respect by Carlton supporters I wouldn't worry about Carlton supports if I was malthouse they eat there own soon as things go wrong and they should get rid of kreuzer plays 1 out for 10 injured body cannot handle getting smashed in too
Macca
Guest
Radelaide - if the blues are so mentally dependant on Judd why (prior to this year) did they have a better winning record without him over the past 3 years?
Macca
Guest
I would prefer to see Graham back in before Robinson to be honest Jack, what that kid has shown repeatedly in the 2s shows he deserves an extended run at senior level. Do you know what happened to Buckley?
Macca
Guest
Gene, I didn't see the game but none of the reports in any of the papers indicated that the skill level was low, they mentioned the bulldogs missed some goals they should of kicked but other than that they said it was a great game of football- could you elaborate as to why they are wrong?
Macca
Guest
He played less than 5minutes, I am not sure how you can make any link Radelaide. The change from Malthouses stodgy game plan was the big difference. Don't know why this comment is shown down here I replied to Radelaide above
Cat
Roar Guru
I thought the skills, or lack of, sucked the life out of the game from the start
slane
Guest
Thought the umpires sucked the life out of this one in the last couple of quarters.
Cat
Roar Guru
maybe Malthouse will bring him back way underdone, sit him on the bench for 3 quarters then send him out cold for another 3 minute cameo appearance.
Axle an the guru
Guest
Judds finished. He should retire now, otherwise he will just limp through the season and do the team no good whatsoever.
Jack
Guest
Thought lucas bell and casbolt where very good. Surely Rowe or White will get dropped for Watson ? Your right about attacking football we abandoned the boundary line an won......if we can get Robinson garlett and Jameson hopefully we can have a fair dinkum crack against west coast
Radelaide
Guest
I'm having a dig at their mental dependency on him.
Gobsmacked
Guest
What's your point Radelaide?
Axle an the guru
Guest
Rattens gone macca,its time you let him go.
Radelaide
Guest
Oh look Judd's back and Carlton wins albeit for 3 minutes, they should have him sitting in the dugout for the rest of the year maybe have him jogging on the boundary in his gurnsey looking as if he is about to come on.