Game Review

In a game where Hawthorn were probably the better side, terrible kicking for goal cost them any chance of victory. Hawthorn matched the Blues for vigorous, strong play and it was only Carlton’s steadiness, judgement and team understanding when needed at vital times which gave us victory.

Carlton made three changes for this game. Micky Crisp, with a heavy cold, could not be considered. Aub Martyn was also unavailable through injury and Fred Williams was omitted. Into the side were Frank Gill, Eric Little and Ted Pollock.

In the opening term Hawthorn, winning well in the midfield, launched many attacks at goal, before Carlton kicked their first from Green. The game was fast and Hawthorn were dominating everywhere except the forward line, where they were kicking poorly. Carlton were struggling to adapt to Hawthorn’s small ground. After two Hawthorn singles, Cooper added Carlton’s second goal, from a nice run. Another three behinds were scored by Hawthorn, before their first goal came. A late behind gave them a one point lead at quarter time. Their margin would have been greater, but for shocking inaccuracy and poor decision making.

Carlton played like a different side after the break. They were matching Hawthorn for pace and strong play. Vallence and Green both goaled early and Hawthorn, attempting to reply, hit the post. Kelly intercepted a handball and kicked forward to where Green goaled from a kick off the ground. Hawthorn went forward but could only add another two singles, to take their score to 1-11. A snap goal to Cooper gave Carlton their sixth goal, and at half time, Carlton had established a handy 23 point lead, scoring 4-5 for the quarter to Hawthorn’s five behinds.

After resuming, Little got the ball to Pollock who kicked Carlton’s seventh goal, with a towering punt kick. From then on, it was all Hawthorn. They were quicker than Carlton and not afraid of using the body. Their defence was impassable and their forwards were now kicking accurately. Carlton showed little opposition as Hawthorn kicked three quick goals. Mackie and Gill were saving many Hawthorn attacks. Vallence hit the post, before another Hawthorn goal brought them to only seven points in arrears. Green goaled from a snap to relieve the pressure, before Hawthorn goaled quickly after. Shea, playing well at half forward, relieved the pressure and twice got the ball forward to Vallence, who kicked two late goals to give Carlton a 20 point lead at the last change,

Early in an even last quarter, Opray kicked Carlton’s 11th goal after receiving a free kick. Shea, scouting well, kicked another soon after. Hawthorn answered with their seventh goal, from a free right in front. Rain was now falling steadily, making marking difficult. Gill, limping badly, was replaced by Bullen. Another Hawthorn goal followed, but Carlton’s lead was too great, and although Hawthorn tried hard, they couldn’t bridge the gap over the last minutes, Carlton winning by 22 points in an entertaining game.

At the end of this round Carlton were in 1st spot on the ladder with a percentage of 128.8

Team