Game Review

In Carlton's 1400th VFL match, Bendigo League recruit Greg Kennedy made his much-anticipated debut, and mercurial match-winner Brent Crosswell kicked four goals, as the Navy Blues kicked off their 1972 campaign with this narrow home ground win over a spirited Fitzroy.

For a summary of Carlton's fourteenth 100 League games, click here.

Jesaulenko He's Unreal

"Carlton's centre line is going to be the difference between the side making or missing the final five, it all hinges on one player - Jezza.
His form on Saturday was unbeatable. I have never seen a player able to run so quickly with his head so close to the ground. The man's unreal, and as long as he does not get thumped and injured, no pivot man in the League will beat him. He was far above Laurie Richards in the centre on Saturday, but don't you worry, Richards is a much better player than that."
"The Blues must have one of the best back lines in the League. Geoff Southby and Vin Waite never let a forward feel comfortable and when the ball comes down they clear it with a long driving kicks right to the centre.
And don't tell me Carlton misses Ron Barassi. John Nicholls is a power of strength on the field and makes some pretty frustrating moves for his opponents. His tactic of dropping Jesaulenko and a resting ruckman across our half forward line when Carlton was in attack was hard to beat. When we managed to move the ball across the centre a wall of five Carlton players was ready to swamp play, and make sure the Fitzroy boys had to bullock their way to goal instead of employing an open-space system.
I roved to Nicholls last year in Interstate games and he was fantastic. Just being near him on the field is a lift. He is big and enormously strong, and protects his small men."
(This is an edited article by John Murphy, Age April 03 p14) - John Murphy is Marc Murphy's father, he played in this match for the Lions.

Images: courtsey Kevin McNair

Team

Milestones

Debut : Greg Kennedy
Club Milestone : 1400th League Game