Umpire: Griffiths

Goalkickers: F.Elliott 2, M.Gotz 2, V.Valentine 2, A.Barningham 1, N.Bowen 1, A.McDonald 1, J.Wells 1.

Game Review

Two starts for two draws represented a remarkable opening to season 1911. In this game, the Bloods led by 16 points at half-time, before the Blues staged a revival - led by an impressive debutante from Tasmania in rover Viv Valentine.

Gradually, the Blues clawed their way back into the match, and with just minutes remaining scores were level when Jack Wells took a brilliant mark for Carlton thirty metres out directly in front of goal. His kick sailed between the posts to give his side the lead for the first time in the match, and almost certain victory. But from the succeeding centre bounce, South swept the ball forward with slick teamwork, and a skimming pass was marked by their lively rover Fred Carpenter. He too, calmly brought up two flags with his shot at goal - and for the second week in a row, Carlton shared the points.

"The wind blew across the ground all day and with it carried clouds of dust. During the game many blows were struck, and I have never seen so many devices and tricks tried to deceive an umpire. Even granting the umpire was weak, is that any season for two clubs of such undoubted ability taking advantage of it? Griffiths simply allowed the players to tear their way through their opponents, and it was a case of the survival of the fittest. He had been a clever footballer, and had a perfect knowledge of the game, bit I am afraid his Rugby experiences in South Africa came out on top on Saturday. Six free kicks were given during the first quarter, instead of about 30, and after that the players took no notice of the umpire." (Record Emerald Hill May 13 p3)

Interestingly, this is not the only instance of a team participating in successive draws. Carlton did it again a decade later, in rounds 4 and 5 of the 1921 season.

At the end of this round Carlton were in 5th spot on the ladder with a percentage of 100.0.

Team

Milestones

Debuts: Viv Valentine and Les Rowe