Umpire: R.Sleeth.

Goalkickers: A.Jesaulenko 5, P.Jones 4, D.Munari 2, R.Walls 1, A.Gallagher 1, S.Jackson 1.

Best: A.Gallagher, P.Jones, R.Walls, K.Hall, B.Crosswell, A.Jesaulenko.

Reports: Nil

Injuries: Nil

Game Review

Carlton went into this last match of of the year against Melbourne at the MCG in good form, and with a firm hold on second ladder position. It would have taken a couple of major upsets for the Blues to miss out on the double chance, so the focus of the game was on Carlton’s champion full-forward Alex Jesaulenko, who needed a five-goal haul to claim a unique record as the first Blue to kick 100 goals in a season.

The Demons however, put up spirited resistance against their more accomplished opponents, and actually led at half-time by two points. But from then on, Carlton exerted their authority. At every opportunity, the Blues looked to give ‘Jezza’ the ball, and this made their pattern of play predictable. Manned-up by multiple opponents and understandably nervous, Jesaulenko had four goals and at least as many misses to his name half-way through the last quarter, and the tension began to rise with each passing minute.

The magical moment finally came when rover Adrian Gallagher marked at the top of the goal square, turned, and fired a (very) short pass backwards on to the chest of Jesaulenko. Despite protests from every Melbourne player in the vicinity, field umpire Ray Sleeth paid the mark, and hundreds of Blues fans clambered on to the MCG fences, ready to charge onto the field if their hero put number five on the board. Taking a couple of deep breaths, Jezza lined up, kicked truly at last – and was immediately mobbed by a delirious, chanting throng.

Note: this was the Blues 21st century in 135 games against Melbourne.

Team

Milestones

Top Goalkicking Performances: Alex Jesaulenko became the first Blue to crack the century of goals
Last Games: Wes Lofts, Ian Nicoll, Doug Baird
Last Game (Carlton): Dennis Munari
100 Goals: Peter Jones