Umpire : G James & J.Russo

Goalkickers: W.Ralph 8, F.Murphy 3, M.Maclure 2.

Best: W.Ralph, P.Meldrum, F.Murphy, B.Doull, M.Maclure

Reports: Des English (Striking Dermott Brereton) - 2 Matches

Injuries: Austin (broken jaw) Hunter (torn thigh muscle)

Game Review

This was always going to be an enormous task for the Blues, especially without our inspirational skipper Wayne Johnston, who had been off the field injured for the last five weeks of the season. Carlton's match committee gambled at the selection table and recalled out of favour full-forward Warren Ralph, in what was seen as perhaps the WA star's last opportunity at senior level.

Ralph responded by turning in a blinder in a pressure-packed, high standard game by both teams. Ralph had kicked all of the Blues five goals up until half time, and ended up with eight to equal the Qualifying Final record. Defender Rod Austin was pole-axed by Hawthorn's Robert DiPierdomenico in a bruising opening term, and his day was ended early by a broken jaw. Acting captain Ken Hunter was also injured early, and spent most of the match sidelined with a torn thigh muscle. Hawthorn's tactic of tagging Carlton's creative small men in Ashman, Buckley and Marcou paid off, and they ran out winners by five goals.

Des English was reported for the only time in his career, and afterward suspended for two matches for striking Hawthorn's Dermott Brereton.

Bet Warren Ralph wouldn't mind playing at VFL Park each week..... The former West Australian star spearhead returned to the Carlton line-up for Saturday's qualifying final clash with Hawthorn and booted eight goals in a superb display. It was his best performance since his nine goals for the Blues in the opening round match this season against North Melbourne at the Park. The spacious VFL Park clearly suits Ralph's style of full forward play. - Tony Greenberg Inside Football.

In analysing Carlton's loss to Hawthorn, you have to point to the average form of several top players. But I believe the real cruncher for the Blues was losing Ken Hunter and Rod Austin so early. Austin's aggression and Hunter's versatility were sadly missed as the match wore on. It also deprived coach David Parkin of flexibility, and this is a critical factor in today's game. Perhaps the old three interchange arguement could surface again soon.......? - Kevin Sheedy Inside Football.

The Hawks cruised into the second semi final with a solid 30 points victory over the Blues in a top class Qualifying Final at VFL PArk. While Hawthorn never looked in danger of defeat, Carlton maintained the pressure right up to the final siren. For about 10 minutes into the third quarter the Blues showed some of their old style, but Hawthorn tightened its defence and kept a firm grip on the game. - Football Record.

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