Umpires: R.Sawers & J.Russo

Goalkickers: J.Madden 3, W.Johnston 2, K.Hunter 2, R.Ashman 2, W.Jones 1.

Best: R.Ashman, V.Perovic, B.Reid, W.Johnston, J.Buckley, P.Dean, W.Jones, B.Doull, D.English, W.Blackwell

Reports: Injuries: R.Nixon (broken ankle) & A.Marcou (fractured cheekbone)

Game Review

Carlton omitted Warren Ralph, but welcomed back captain Wayne Johnston and vice captain Ken Hunter for this trip to Kardinia Park. The wet weather that had blanketed Melbourne all week didn't miss Sleepy Hollow either, and although the game was played under clear skies, the muddy surface took the edge off every player's skills.

In something of a low-scoring slog, the Blues broke away in the second term and held on to win by six goals. Carlton's seasoned stars led the way, with 'Harry' Madden, Rod Ashman, Ken Hunter and captain Johnston leading the way.

Another weekend of shocks and upsets came from this round of matches. Melbourne had a huge win over Hawthorn at Princes Park, Fitzroy collected another big scalp when they knocked over Richmond, and Tony Lockett kicked 7 goals when St Kilda beat Sydney at the SCG on Sunday.

By Sunday afternoon, the top five was Essendon, Hawthorn, Carlton, Melbourne and Collingwood.

Despite numerous injuries and worrying loss of form over the past couple of seasons, Carlton's experienced rover, Rod Ashman, has fought his way back to supremacy. The talented little Blue bobbed up everywhere against Geelong, gathering a staggering 30 kicks in a sensational display. The Cats had no answer to Ashman's dominance and clever contributions and he received three votes for his effort. He was well supported by Jim Buckley and Peter Dean, the latter playing only his third League game. - Inside Football Player of the Year.

Carlton's Rod Ashman played the game of his life against Geelong. He led the band of small men from the Blues camp, who swamped the Cats from start to finish. He collected 30 kicks and six handballs, but it was the way he set up the play for his team-mates that made him such a good player. And just a little on young Peter Dean at centre half-forward for the Blues - he has a bright future. He marks well, leads quickly and kicks straight. Maybe just a little muscle would make him look a bit stronger. - Inside Football.

Carlton, never a team to relish the journey to Geelong, thrashed the pathetic Cats at Kardinia Park by 37 points in a low scoring game. Both teams were unable to find the big sticks too often and amassed 35 behinds, mainly from deliberate shots. Ashman, Perovic and Reid were the stars in a very even Carlton combination. - Football Record.

Rod Ashman played the first of several "gems" which culminated in his 200th in Round 15. In excess of 30 kicks and a heap of marks and handpasses in the windy conditions meant that Ashman always gave the Blues control and Cats didn't look a chance after the first 15 minutes. - Football Record.

Team

Milestone

Club Milestone: 1,700th League Game. For a summary of Carlton's seventeenth 100 League games, click here.

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