Umpires: M.Bird, J.Russo

Goalkickers: P.Sartori 4, G.Hawker 3, S.Kernahan 3, D.Rhys-Jones 2, T.Alvin 2, T.Rieniets 2, J.Madden 2, A.Gleeson 1, F.Murphy 1.

Best: G.Hawker, J.Madden, S.Kernahan, T.Alvin, P.Meldrum, S.Silvagni, D.Glascott.

Reports: Nil

Injuries: A.Gleeson (cut forehead)

Game Review

In the wake of the their defeat by Footscray in the previous round – an effort deemed “shameful” by their coach Alex Jesaulenko – the Blues were driven hard on the track during the week, and it worked. Trailing North Melbourne by 11 points at three-quarter time in this game at Princes Park, Carlton charged home over the top of the Shinboners to claim a much-needed victory by five goals.

Back pocket ‘Molly’ Meldrum (29 possessions) was the star in solid win by the Blues, with a good spread of goal-kickers throughout the forward line and midfield. Tim Rieniets made a notable debut off the bench, booting goals with his first two kicks.

However, Carlton still sat tenth on the ladder, with a poor percentage of 88.7. Meanwhile at the top, Melbourne suffered its first defeat of the season at the hands of Sydney at the SCG, and dropped to second behind West Coast. Essendon, Hawthorn and St Kilda made up the top five.

Team

Milestones

Debut: Tim Rieniets
100 Games: Stephen Kernahan

Brownlow Votes

3: Paul Meldrum
2: Anthony Rock (North Melbourne)
1: Glenn Hawker