Game Review

With Hawthorn’s ageless legend Michael Tuck celebrating his record-equalling 403rd senior appearance in this match, Carlton were always going to be up against it – and that is precisely how this game panned out. After a promising first quarter with the wind, the Blues were overwhelmed by their Princes Park co-tenants and lost by 31 points.

Rover Andrew Phillips was valiant in defeat for Carlton, collecting 37 possessions in his best game for the club. Tuck was also busy for Hawthorn with 30 disposals, but neither caught the eye of the umpires and both were denied Brownlow Medal votes.

Stephen Kernahan kicked three goals and was concussed during the game – courtesy of an elbow from Hawk full-back Chris Langford as Kernahan dived for a mark. Langford generally kept Saturday nights free after games against Carlton, as he needed the time to pick navy blue wool out from under his fingernails. It was also rare to see the CFC monogram on the front of Kernahans jumper when Carlton played Hawthorn - because it seemed to be scrunched up under Langford’s left armpit most of the time!

All the other matches in this round finished as expected, apart from the clash between Geelong and Sydney at Kardinia Park. Two players short through injury in the last quarter, the Swans held on to beat the Cats by two points. So, with one game to go in the home and away rounds, the five teams that would fight out the 1990 Premiership were confirmed; Essendon, Collingwood, West Coast, Melbourne and Hawthorn.

Team

Milestones

Last games: Mark Naley (65 games) and Jamie Dunlop (21 games).
50 Games: Ian Aitken

Brownlow Votes

3: Andrew Collins (Hawthorn)
2: Gary Ayres (Hawthorn)
1: Chris Wittman (Hawthorn)