Game Review

The Blues were comfortably leading by 37 points early in the second quarter. Carlton fans were shocked when umpire Jeff Crouch took the ball off stand-in full back and former Brownlow medallist Gordon Collis for wasting time. A goal resulted, and from that moment Essendon were revitalised and got back into the game.
The Age said "Collis stopped one of Essendon's few attacks in this early part of the game by marking about 5 yards out from goal. He went back to take his kick to the inner side of the ground, stopped, then walked back again and went to kick to the outer side of the ground. Again he hesitated and walked back to take his kick.
At this point Crouch moved in to make one of the bravest decisions of his umpiring career. He gave Evans the ball, and Evans took his kick just a few yards out from goal, straight in front."
Ron Barassi was upset because Crouch had failed to warn Collis to hurry up and that he would be penalised for wasting time.
The Blues led by 20 points at the last break but the Bombers had 90% of the play in the final term. Barassi was worried and stacked the back line at one stage with centre half forward John Gill the only player on Carlton's forward line. Essendon were inaccurate and kicked 3.9 to the Blues' 2.4 and Carlton held on to win by 9 points in a substandard game, which was marred by "several fiery incidents."

Team

Changes

In : Goold, Stone, Pleydell, Hall, Gallagher
Out : Nicholls, Lofts (State Team), Stewart (ill), R. McLean, Waite

Milestones

50 Games: Adrian Gallagher