Umpires: Cameron, Robinson

Goalkickers: P.McConville 3, M.Maclure 3, S.Kourkoumelis 2, W.Harmes 2, J.Madden 1, W.Johnston 1, J.Buckley 1, F.Murphy 1, A.Marcou 1, W.McKenzie 1.

Best: J.Madden, W.Johnston, D.English, S.Kourkoumelis, M.Maclure, D.Rhys-Jones.

Reports: D.McDonald & A.Demetriou - both for striking D.Rhys-Jones.

Injuries: W.Blackwell (bruised ankle).

Game Review

Carlton lost both Ashman and Doull to injury in the lead up to this game, obviously leaving a significant dent in the team. After leading at half time by 31 points, a Schimmelbusch inspired North Melbourne poured on 14 goals in the second half to knock the Blues out of the 1985 finals series. Wayne Johnston was gallant for the Blues with 28 disposals.

The Blues led by as much as 37 points early in the third term, but North got a run-on and dominated the rest of the quarter to be within striking distance at three quarter time.

Some press at the time stated that Carlton's ageing premiership stars were overrun by a young North team, however it is interesting to note that the average age of the Carlton side for this game was slightly younger than that of North Melbourne. While Maclure was 30 and Hunter 28, other stars like Johnston, English, Marcou and McConville were 27 and Buckley still only 25, and they were supported by young and emerging talent.

It did mark a turning point in the Blues' approach as this was coach Parkin's last game at Carlton (until his second stint from 1991-2000), McConville's last game before heading to St Kilda, Marcou joined him there after the 1986 season, and Maclure retired at the end of 1986. And Blues supporters eagerly awaited a clutch of interstate stars - Motley, Bradley, Kernahan and Dorotich, while whispers of a return of prodigal son Bosustow turned into a roar (although his comeback to Carlton was ultimately derailed by a significant injury to his ankle in pre-season training).

Watch out for young Carlton forward Warren McKenzie next season.... Warren made an impressive senior league debut with the Blues this year and looks a real player of the future. He performed quite well in his first finals match last Saturday, taking a number of strong marks up forward for the Blues. It was certainly no fault of his that Carlton lost after leading by six goals. He is quite agile for his size, has a very good pair of hands and looks like developing into a key player on Carlton's forward line. With this year's experience under his belt, he should be an even better player in 1986. - Michael Roach Inside Football.

Carlton was restricted because of an ankle injury suffered by utility Wayne Blackwell 20 minutes into the first quarter. Blackwell had looked set for a great game before he fell to the ground on the member's wing and had to be helped from the ground. The Blues not only lost an invaluable running player, but were hampered by having just one fit player on the interchange bench. With the game being played in very hot conditions, this was very telling to the outcome of the game as the Blues ran out of legs in the end. - Jim Main Inside Football.

Team

Video

Milestones

Last Game: Frank Marchesani
Last Game (Carlton): Peter McConville
Last game (As Coach, for this stint): David Parkin