Game Review

Despite holding the barest of margins at half-time and three-quarter time, the Blues could not break away from the Kangaroos, who saved their best football for the final term. John Nicholls was unable to counter North's beanpole ruckman Barry Goodingham. Robertson, Pleydell, Quirk, and Gallagher kept the Blues in the game, but Gordon Collis was Carlton's best.

"The selection of Walls was a surprise. He played three games early in the season at full-forward and kicked a total of 5 goals. He looked too light to handle League conditions. But the 17-year-old Walls who is 12st. 7lb and 6ft. 3ins. has since been tried successfully on the half-back flank and at full-back in the Reserves. Skill, understandably played second fiddle to brute strength in the conditions, and it was in this department that North were able to forge ahead - but only after some very torrid, bone shattering clashes. Carlton has been getting through this season on close decisions and, for a stride or two in the last term, it looked as if it might again edge out of a tight corner. That is what stamps Carlton as a top side - to be beaten in most positions, yet still be good enough to remain well in the fight." (The Age)

Carlton had a bad day as they went down by 13 points to North Melbourne. As well as losing, follower Sergio Silvagni broke a rib during the game. The Kangaroos Gary Farrant, playing his first year in the VFL, did particularly well on the half back flank. - Football Record.

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