Game Review

Return To Arden Street

It was just shy of 31 years ago, on September 05 1896, when Carlton last played on the Arden Street ground, with North winning the game 5 goals to 1.
In those far off days Queen Victoria was still on the throne, and Northerners ground was nick-named "The Gluepot" for good reason, but this day it was firm, however the wind was to cause some problems.
The Blues got on the score board quickly. Play had commenced while North's captain was still sorting out his defenders. Suddenly the ball was in Carlton's forward line where Harold Carter shot out a long hand pass to Harvey Dunn who on the run, put the ball through for a goal. Carlton were playing directly, long and straight through the centre. Alex Duncan and Maurie Connell's long kicking being a feature, and George Gough goaled, a recipient of one of their long kicks. Harvey Dunn and Tommy Downs both missed easy chances to goal. Then Horrie Clover kicked to Maurie Connell who marked and goaled. The Blues went into the first break with a 20 point lead, 3.4 - 0.2
In the second term, defenders Frank Donoghue, Alex Duncan, and Frank Irwin formed an almost impenetrable barrier. Each time North went forward they were turned back, eventually they broke through for two goals. Irwin and Duncan repelled another attack and Harvey Dunn, Maurie Connell, and George Gough combined to get the ball to Horrie Clover who goaled. Tommy Downs also scored with a nice angled shot, and then Maurie Beasy snapped a goal. Carlton held a 27 point lead at half time, 6.6 - 2.3
Joe Kelly provided a couple of scoring opportunities to Harvey Dunn and Horrie Clover, but they both missed. North went forward and had a shot which hit the post, not to be outdone, Tommy Downs and then George Gough did likewise! Harvey Dunn then scored a goal. The wind was playing havoc with marking being difficult. Harvey Dunn was standing away from the pack when the wind caught the ball and carried it to him, he turned around and kicked the easiest of goals. Carlton's ninth goal came from a snap by Tommy Downs, and this put the Blues' lead out to 41 points at three quarter time, 9.11 - 3.6
The Blues were just content to maintain the lead and played defensively throughout the term. Alex Duncan and Frank Irwin continued to give a marking master-class across the half back line. In a fairly forgettable term, North scored the only goal for the quarter. The game ended with the Blues winning by 34 points, 9.15 - 4.11

"For the winners three men - Donoghue, Duncan and Irwin - never let the wind or an opponent defeat them. Donoghue handled the ball beautifully, and came through with irresistible dash.
Duncan's marking and great kicking won the admiration of all, while Irwin's tenacity is his finest trait.
Connell followed strongly, Downs roved cleverly, as it was certainly not his fault that Gough kicked only one goal. Watson kicked in magnificently, and Brewis was always usefully employed."
(Trove: Argus June 20, p6)

At the end of this round Carlton were in 5th spot on the ladder with a percentage of 120.3.

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