Umpires: J.Morgan & Glen James

Goalkickers: W.Johnston 4, R.Ashman 2, M.Young 2, V.Catoggio 1, A.Mangels 1, P.Maylin 1, J.Buckley 1, M.Maclure 1, P.Brown 1

Best; A.Mangels, R.Ashman

Reports: Nil

Injuries: W.Johnston (bruised ankle) & V,Catoggio (strained hamstring)

Game Review

The thing to note about this game was Carlton allowing the opposition to reduce the margin towards the end of the game. It was to become a common theme throughout the year and perhaps an indicator that Carlton had the ability but not the attitude this year.

After Saturday's strong performance by Carlton's Rod Ashman he now shares the leader board for the Inside Football Player of the Year. Rod Ashman along with best on ground Alan Mangels provided a lot of drive around the midfield for the Blues. Their approach to their task was unrelenting as they ran hard to each contest and provided the Blues forwards with plenty of scoring opportunities. - Inside Football Player of the Year.

It's hard to believe that Carlton won last year's premiership without crack rover Rod Ashman in their line-up. Ashman was injured just before last year's finals series started and could not force his way back into the senior side, because of the Blues' abundance of small men. Missing out on a place in the premiership side has undoubtedly made Ashman more determined to suceed this season. He has been in magnificent form so far this season. His master-class display of roving against Melbourne on Saturday at VFL Park was first rate. Always first to the contest and he use of the football was outstanding. He set up a lot of forward thrusts for the Blues. At the moment Ashman is the best rover in the League and he sets the pace for Carlton's brilliant "mosquito fleet". No wonder they fought so hard to retain his services early last year when he wanted to quit the club. - Tony Greenberg Inside Football

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