Umpires: R.Sawers & I.Robinson.

Goalkickers: R.Ashman 4, S.Kourkoumelis 3, P.Meldrum 2, D.Rhys-Jones 2, M.Maclure 2, D.Ogier 2, P.Dean 1, R.Baynes 1, J.Madden 1.

Best: S.Kourkoumelis, J.Madden, D.Rhys-Jones, P.Meldrum, R.Ashman, K.Sheldon.

Reports: M.Conlan (Fitzroy) for striking D.Rhys-Jones.

Injuries: Nil

Game Review

In the days of the final five format, a win-loss of 2-4 at the start of the season was verging on the disastrous. Carlton regrouped with a tough win in Sydney and then met a strong Fitzroy side in a crunch game at VFL Park.

After being behind for most of the day, the Blues surged forward in a last quarter marked by Rod Ashman's ferocious one-percenters in the forward line and a goal from a set shot on the boundary line which sparked a close win. Madden's ability to continually thump the ball out of bounds late in the match is memorable, and Kourkoumelis combined beautifully with Madden to rack up 31 disposals.

Best: Madden Kourkoumelis Ashman Rhys-Jones Meldrum

This game is remembered fondly by Carlton fans, and is considered one of our best wins in the Home & Away rounds of the 1980's.

No wonder Carlton declined offers from several clubs for Spiro Kourkoumelis' services..... Kourkoumelis was eagerly sought by Melbourne at the end of last season, but the Blues declared they would not release him. Then, when he couldn't break into the senior Carlton line-up early this season, he again attracted the interest of rival clubs. But the Blues refused to budge and claimed Kourkoumelis was still definitely a required player at Princes Park. Eventually Kourkoumelis did force his way from the Reserves into Carlton's senior side and in Saturday's clash with Fitzroy, he was the driving force behind the Blues dramatic, fighting victory. He had more then 30 possessions and constantly kept pumping the Blues forward in a best-on-ground performance. His persistance and Carlton's faith in him, has paid off. - Tony Greenberg Inside Football.

That missing behind in last Saturday's Fitzroy-Carlton clash at VFL Park could have created a hell of a rumpus. Undoubtedly there was some form of human error and that is understandable. No-one is perfect. However, I have noted in past seasons that scoreboard operators at Princes Park have taken it upon themselves to act as goal umpires. Better to be accurate than faster than the men in white coats. - Jim Main Inside Football.

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