Game Review

By this stage of the season, the bottom two teams; Sydney and Brisbane, were all but basket cases, which helps to explain why only 10,555 diehard fans went to the SCG on this afternoon to see the Swans host Carlton. And why it was such a surprise when Sydney led the Blues by four points at half-time.

However, Carlton coach Alex Jesaulenko tore strips off his team in the rooms during the break, and they came out trailing smoke in the third to slam on 10 goals, while the Swans managed just one. As he had done the previous week, Justin Madden took control of the stoppages, and Craig Bradley became the star, slicing through the tissue-thin Swans defence and providing silver-service ball delivery to the Carlton forwards.

The Blues added another 6.5 to 3.4 in the last quarter to run out winners by 72 points. Bradley was credited with 31 effective disposals, and captain “Sticks” Kernahan kicked six goals to take his season tally to 47. Furthermore, Carlton climbed to sixth ladder position, now behind Hawthorn on percentage only.

On a weekend of perfect weather, there were some huge scores kicked, highlighted by North Melbourne’s 31.14 (200) against Geelong at the MCG. The Shinboners’ full-forward John Longmire led the romp, and booted 14 goals.

Team

Milestones

Interesting fact: David Kernahan was awarded the only Brownlow Medal votes of his 53-game career in this game.

Brownlow Votes

3: Justin Madden
2: Stephen Kernahan
1: David Kernahan