Game Review

In a round that produced some sensational football in just about every match, Carlton came from behind in the third quarter against ladder-leaders Essendon to win by 20 points in one of the clubs’ best victories of the year. The Bombers had the same number of scoring shots, but the Blueboys’ superior accuracy in front of the goals proved the difference.

Unfortunately, this game was symptomatic of Carlton in 1990. The week before, the Blues were woeful, and on this particular day, brilliant against a team that went all the way to the Grand Final a few weeks later. Coach Alex Jesaulenko cleverly matched his sides’ strengths to Essendon’s weaknesses and Carlton’s teamwork, tackling and persistence wore the Bombers down.

Among the many stars for the home side were Craig Bradley, Justin Madden and Mil Hanna, who simply knocked up getting kicks and owned the centre corridor in the last quarter. Stephen Kernahan provided a focal point up at full-forward to finish with seven goals, while Mark Majerczak took a spectacular mark over the Bombers' beanpole ruckman Paul Salmon that many felt was unlucky not to win Mark of the Year.

The results of the other games didn’t change the order of the top five, but provided many highlights. Gary Ablett kicked 12 goals for Geelong in their big win over Richmond at the MCG, and Jason Dunstall booted 11 majors as Hawthorn smashed Collingwood at VFL Park. Melbourne impressed by beating West Coast at Subiaco, and North Melbourne retained their reputation as the best of the rest by comfortably accounting for Footscray at the Western Oval.

Team

Milestones

Interesting fact: This would be Carlton's least experienced side for almost another 20 years. This usually indicates that a team is rebuilding, but there was in fact a cleanout at the end of the year!!

Brownlow Votes

3: Darren Bewick (Essendon)
2: Justin Madden
1: Mil Hanna