Umpires: I.Cameron & I. Robinson

Goalkickers: R.Ditchburn 3, R.Ashman 2, M.Fitzpatrick 1, P.Bosustow 1, K.Hunter 1, A.Marcou 1.

Best : K.Hunter, W.Johnston, R.Ashman, V.Perovic, B.Doull, D.Glascott.

Injuries: J.Buckley (lower back) Reports; Nil

Game Review

Dreadfully inaccurate around the goals, the Blues were no match for a fanatical Swans team that was making every effort to play finals in their first season in Sydney. The first half was finals type pressure with neither side giving an inch and the Blues went in at the long break with a slender lead. At that point many people would have expected the experienced Carlton line-up to gain the break and go on to victory - after all the Blues have played so many big, pressure games in recent years. But it was the Swans who rallied in the second half and they ran right away to record a superb six goal victory after the Swans banged on eight goals in the last quarter.

Carlton has put itself in the hot seat with a loss to the Swans. This week it meets top side, Richmond, and a loss will almost see it drop to fifth on the ladder. Essendon are two points behind Carlton and, this week Essendon plays the lowly St Kilda and North also take on the lowly placed Bulldogs. But, surely David Parkin's biggest worry at the moment, is the way some of the stars are performing Peter Bosustow was a match winner last year but he has only shown glimpses of that sparkling form this season. Wayne Johnston regularly kicked freakish goals last season. All of a sudden, he can't kick easy set shots. Captain Mike Fitzpatrick hasn't had as much influence on the Blues destiny as he did last season. The Blues have been forced to play Mike at CHF because Mark Maclure hasn't been available for most of the season. He has covered the hole but hasn't provided the same inspiration as he did last season. It wouldn't be right to blame the three players I have mentioned for Carlton's present predicament but, once you set a standard, you have to repeat it week after week. Seeing these players doing brilliant things helps players around them maintain their enthusiasm so, when they are down, it has a much bigger effect on the side. - Graham Teasdale Inside Football.

The Swans defeated Carlton by 34 points in Sydney after trailing by eight points at half time. Urged on by a record SCG crowd of 25,601, the Swans kicked eight goals during the final quarter. Colin Hounsell and Dennis Carroll were outstanding for the winners while Ken Hunter and Wayne Johnston did well for the Blues. - Football Record.

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