Umpires: K.Smith & R.Sawers

Goalkickers: J.Madden 3, P.Meldrum 1, M.Maclure 1, S.Kourkoumelis 1, R.Ashman 1.

Best: J.Buckley, R.Ashman, D.Glascott, S.Kourkoumelis, B.Doull, V.Perovic, P.Meldrum, J.Madden

Reports: M.Maclure (Carlton) by field umpire R.Sawers for striking Alan Jarrott (Melb.) with a right arm to the head in the first quarter - cleared of striking charge.

Injuries: W.Johnston (ankle)

Game Review

In stark contrast to the previous week, this round of VFL matches was notable for uniform low scores on a cold, wet and windy mid-winter Melbourne weekend.

Carlton met Melbourne at Princes Park in a danger game for the Blues, but the return of English, Hunter and Perovic to bolster the defence was evident early. The Demons kicked just three behinds in the first quarter, didn't score at all in the second term, and somehow managed to keep their losing margin to only 26 points.

Justin Madden spent much of the game at full-forward and kicked three goals for the Blues.

In other results, Fitzroy celebrated the highlight of their season with a 10-point victory over ladder-leaders Hawthorn, and Footscray almost pulled off a double upset when they got to within two points of Essendon at the Junction Oval.

Dynamic Carlton centreman Jim Buckley has grabbed the lead for the 1984 Player of the Year. Buckley, a courageous and creative player, is enjoying a wonderful season with the Blues and is well up in many media awards. He gained three votes for his efforts against Melbourne on Saturday. Spiro Kourkoumelis continues to impress as an on-baller, collected two votes. Rod Ashman collected one vote which moved him into equal third spot overall. - Inside Football Player of the Year.

Melbourne was deluged by rain and Princes Park got its fair share before the Carlton-Melbourne battle. The Blues adapted much better than the Demons and kept them down to a lowly 0.3 until half time while they managed 4.6 and held the advantage until the final siren. Carlton's small players in Jim Buckley and Rod Ashman dominated around the packs and Melbourne had no answer to them. - Football Record.

Carlton conceded Melbourne goals in only one quarter, the third - in winning decisively. Jim Buckley had 26 kicks and numerous knock-ons and shepherds to be the day's outstanding performer. Ashman, Glascott and Madden (three goals) also adapted to the wet weather far better than their opponents. - Football Record.

Team

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