Game Review

Two days of heavy rain preceded this game at the Lakeside Oval, when the ladder-leading Blues met a South Melbourne team fighting hard for a place in the top four. Carlton strengthened their side with the inclusion of Jack Baquie, Martin Gotz, Bill Goddard and Doug Fraser, and ran out onto the ground in front of a surprisingly large crowd of around 15,000.

Despite the ominous clouds and frequent showers, the first quarter was surprisingly skilful. Five shots for goal (three by Carlton, two by the Southerners) all brought up full points before the first behind was registered. From then on however, the surface was churned into a morass and physical strength became the determining factor.

The Blues led by 13 points at the first change, and maintained it through to the final bell, with Doug Gillespie, ‘Shooter’ Ford, Tom Clancy, Jim Marchbank and Jack Wells all outstanding for the winners.

As regularly occurs in inclement weather, there were some shock results in other games. At Victoria Park, Collingwood proved too good for Essendon and revived their finals hopes, while University beat Geelong at East Melbourne to stay right in contention.

With five matches left in the home and away season, Carlton was now two wins clear of Essendon on top of the ladder, with University, Collingwood, Geelong and South Melbourne the only other contenders.

Team