Game Review

Essendon unfurled their 1912 Premiership flag. Heavy morning rains had softed the ground which was bathed in afternoon sunshine. Kicking against the wind Carlton kicked two early goals, the first by newcomer Wally Gibbins whose snap was possibly his first kick in League football. Essendon replied, then Moran scored the Blues' second. The home team again equalled the goal scoring tally then Marchbank got his toe to the ball and scored Carlton's third. Essendon scored another goal and but they held only a 10 point lead at the end of the first quarter. The Dons had wasted the wind advantage. Gardiner marked, and goaled from a 60 yard place kick by Wells. Green squirmed his way through a host of opponents and put the ball through for a behind to equal the scores at 4.5 each. Gibbins and Green added two more goals and at half time the Blues led by 15 points, holding the Dons to 1 point. Young Gibbins scored the seventh and repeated the effort for the Blues' eighth late in the third term. The Dons at the last break held only a 7 point lead, with Blues having the wind in the final quarter. Challis was coming into his own as the game went on, and he passed the ball to Moran who scored the ninth goal. Scores were now level 9.13 apiece.

The Age;
"Although there were ten minutes to go when the Blues got a behind, which put them ahead, their followers simply went wild with delight, and below the southern posts there was a forest of arms and hats in the air - a remarkable sight. Every point was cheered, put points were not of much importance as they seemed, for in the final stages Carlton took possession, Green scored their tenth goal, and Challis, well served by Wells, got the 11th., so that a great game for the opening day ended in favour of Carlton by 16 points."

Footnote

Reports of goal scorers vary,
The Age & Football Record: Gibbons 3, Challis 3, Gardiner 2, Marchbank, Moran, Green
The Argus: Gibbons 4, Gardiner 2, Green 2, Moran, Challis, Marchbank
The Herald: Gibbon 3, Challis 3, Gardiner 2, Moran, Green, Marchbank,

At the end of this round Carlton were in 4th spot on the ladder with a percentage of 123.9.

Team

Milestones

50 Games (Carlton): Jack Wells
Debuts: Paddy O'Brien and Wally Gibbins