Umpires: Crowd: 31,507 Receipts; $55,785

Goalkickers: P.Bosustow 4, P.McConville 3, M.Maclure 3, W.Johnston 2, R.Ashman 2, G.Wells 1, R.Waddell 1, D.Lenaghan 1.

Best; K.Hunter, M.Fitzpatrick, R.Ashman, D.English, P.Maylin, G.Wells, B.Doull.

Reports: Nil

Injuries: Nil

Game Review

The Blues celebrated Bruce Doull's 250th game, and Wayne Johnston's 50th game, as they held on to top place on the ladder with this impressive win over the Geelong Cats.

The highlight for everyone concerned was Peter Bosustow's breathtaking Mark of the Year in the forward pocket at the Heatley Stand end. Launching himself into the stratosphere above Geelong ruckman John Mossop (and another noted aerialist in Carlton's David McKay) 'the Buzz' took an absolute screamer on his chest. It took him an eternity to line up for the easy goal, such was the excitement among the crowd. Rod Ashman was dominant around the packs, with 38 disposals and two clever goals.

Carlton half-back Ken Hunter is reliable and skilled and was in superb touch against Geelong last Saturday. Hunter took 13 superb marks and was unflappable in defence for the Blues, earning a best on ground. Carlton ruckman Mike Fitzpatrick took on Cat giants John Mossop and Rod Blake and emerged triumphant, giving the Blues' small-man brigade heaps of opportunities and earning votes along the way. - Inside Football Player of the Year.

One of the driving forces behind Carlton's success this season has been star WA recruit Ken Hunter. The Blues enticed Hunter over to Victoria this year and he's been an instant hit in the pressure-packed VFL competition. Hunter's game against Geelong at Princes Park on Saturday was near perfect. He had 22 kicks, seven handpasses and took 13 superb marks. Geelong's forwards were continually frustrated by Hunter's brillance across the backline. - Tony Greenberg Inside Football

Flamboyant former DVFL champion, Rod Waddell proved he will be an asset to Carlton in his first senior game last Saturday. The fiery Waddell, who was at the centre of a VFL permit investigation this year, came on as an interchange player in the second half and booted his first goal in senior football. Waddell, 23, went from Lalor to Collingwood at the start of the season. But after a short stint with the Pies he became embroiled in a tug of war between the Blues and Magpies over his residential status. The former Bloods star joined another DVFL player performing consistently with the Blues. Rohan Burke played his second game against Geelong on a half-back flank. Burke joined the Blues from Reservoir-Lakeside. - Andrew Brasier Inside Football.

In a way, the Escort Cup series has been a great benefit to Carlton this season. Although the Blues suffered the disappointment of losing to Essendon in the Grand Final of the night series, it enabled a lot of young and new players to gain experience which has improved their overall depth. Players such as Sharp, Waddell, Howell, Glascott, Lenaghan, Burke, Hartney and Hocking all were given senior experience through the night series. Carlton now has a lot of players to draw upon and are covering injuries to regular senior players very well.

On paper, some might have thought Geelong had a better side when it met Carlton last Saturday - at least, a more settled combination. But Carlton gave the Cats a torrid time and emerged victorious with a few virtual "unknowns" in the line up. With the finals coming up, this improved depth makes Carlton one of the toughest nuts to crack. The Blues might regret losing the Escort Cup final, but in a way the series has done them a service. - Kevin Sheedy Inside Football

Carlton were badly hit by injuries when they took on Geelong at Princes Park. But with Harmes, Marcou, Buckley, Klomp, Southby, Jones, Perovic, Austin and Armstrong all out, the Blues attacked from the outset and won the match by 33 points. Ken Hunter and Mike Fitzpatrick did well for the Blues while Ian Nankervis was the Cats best. - Football Record.

Team

Milestones

250 Games: Bruce Doull
50 Games: Wayne Johnston
Debut: Rod Waddell

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