Game Review

As we often did, we struggled to overcome the Dogs at the Western Oval. Plus that annoying Ground Announcer egging them on!!!

Elusive Carlton half-forward Wayne Johnston picked up 20 kicks and nine handpasses on his way to collecting a Best-on-Ground effort against the Bulldogs. - Inside Football Player of the Year.

Meanwhile classy Carlton half-forward David Clarke, proved a point or two to his former League club, Geelong, on Saturday. The All-Australian half forward flanker and ruck rover, turned full forward for Carlton with devastating effect to kick six goals and five behinds in the second half to destroy Footscray. Clarke, 31, who played more than 200 games with Geelong before falling out with coach Bill Goggin, said his aim each week was to be in the final 20. Clarke's association and respect for Carlton goes back to 1972, when he went on an end of season world trip with them. - Howard Leigh Inside Football.

Frank Marchesani, Carlton's wingman who crossed from Fitzroy after a long clearance battle, is back to his best if his performance against Footscray is any indication. Marchesani was almost a forgotten man last year as he struggled to recapture his earlier career brillance. Frank is unlike several wingman who play short to the flanks, as he kicks long and direct towards goal. Carlton must be delighted with Marchesani and another top recruit in Geelong's David Clarke, who may have solved its full forward worries. - Peter Hogan Inside Football.

Footscray coach Royce Hart, and Carlton coach, David Parkin, had a duel to equal that of Kelvin Templeton and Val Perovic, which was also fairly even. Hart, knowing Carlton planned to shadow his key, Jim Edmond, placed that player in the centre bounces leaving his opponent "Curly" Austin, outside the square. Hart used normal centreman, Doug Hawkins, in a role behind the line at CHB. The method worked as both players were prime movers in the Bulldogs great second quarter. Edmond had eight kicks and Hawkins seven. Parkin decided to restrict both players and placed Austin in the square on Edmond and Wayne Johnston alongside Hawkins on the line. They were excellent moves by Parkin and, while David Clarke's six goal effort was an important factor in the Blues win, Parkin should take credit in blanketing Edmond and Hawkins after half time and forcing Footscray on the defensive. - Peter Hogan Inside Football.

Footscray and Carlton fought out an entertaining match at the Western Oval. The Bulldogs led by five points at the last change but the Blues with far superior skills and running ability stormed home in the last quarter, kicking 6.11. David Clarke kicked six goals in the second half for Carlton while Doug Hawkins was Footscray's star. - Football Record.

Team

Milestones

Debut: Ross Ditchburn
Last Game (Carlton): Rod Waddell