Game Review

Hanna the new Jesaulenko
It's not hard to be arrogant. I went along to the MCG on Sunday believing that we would win, but with the least experienced side wearing navy blue that I can remember, I thought that North would push us to the limit. What a mistake! We kicked six goals clear early in the game and after that it was Carlton in first gear. We simply did enough to hold North out and it failed to make any impression at all. And what's more, we did it with a new side. Half of the players most would have selected in their premiership-winning side at the beginning of the year were missing, but after the form of some of the "baby" Blues, the older heads may find it difficult to force their way back into the side. Adrian Gleeson improves every week. It amazed me to hear some uninformed Carlton supporter claiming that she (it had to be a woman) believed that he was a frightened footballer. Footsteps are not heard by this Koroit boy and his future at Carlton looks grand. Mick Kennedy, who I must admit I was never a rap for, is growing in statute every week and richly deserves his spot in the side. Darren Ogier looks as though he will live up to the accolades bestowed upon him as a youngster, and Michael Gallagher and Ian Aitken look like big men of the future. But Milham Hanna is outstanding. He is every bit a potential champion. He reminds me of the great Alex Jesaulenko (even down to the hairline). He moves beautifully, has great anticipation and incredible balance. Providing that he stays free from injury he could join the list of Carlton greats. But some of the moew experienced players ought to take a leaf out of the youngster's book. There were a few bludgers out there on Sunday and they wouldn't want to close shop against some of the better sides. - Carl Toner Inside Football.

New Blues
Carlton's new boys performed well in Sunday's MCG clash. Michael Kennedy was a solid back-line performer with 13 kicks and 11 handpasses. Richard Dennis took eight marks to go with 18 kicks and Mark Naley had 21 disposals (14 & 7). On the more experienced side of things, Paul Meldrum (12 & 11), Adrian Gleeson (14 & 12) and David Glascott (17 & 10) all put in well. - Footy Week

Umpires Busy
The umpires had a busy day with the whistle. A total of 74 free-kicks were awarded, which is a high tally for this year. Craig Bradley earned the umpires displeasure six times, without receiving a single freebie in return. North's Darren Crocker also had the whistle blown against him six times, these free-kicks were negated by the six that he was given. "Schimma" also figured strongly with five for and two against, while David Glascott had five for and four against. - Footy Week.

Team

Brownlow Votes

3: Paul Meldrum (CARL)
2: Wayne Johnston (CARL)
1: David Rhys-Jones (CARL)