Game Review

This would be Stephen Silvagni's 200th game, matching the achievement of his father Serge and they would become the first father-son combination to both reach that milestone.

Collingwood went into the game without a number of its key players, so the Blues were expected to have a big win. Despite this, the Magpies would play with greater intensity. It was goal for goal for the first quarter and a half but the Magpies then kicked 4 unanswered goals to be 26 points up at half time.

The Blues had all the play at the start of the third quarter but failed to kick goals, while Collingwood made the most of their more limited opportunities. But 3 goals in the final few minutes of that quarter would leave the Blues just 5 points down at the final change, as they started to take control of the centre bounces.

This would continue as the final quarter commenced, with the Blues quickly adding a further 3 goals. However the Magpies refused to give in, kicking the next 2 goals to reduce the margin to just 2 points. But Carlton would respond with 3 more goals to run out 21 point winners.

Scott Camporeale, with 30 possessions, would provide great drive through excellent disposal and be judged best on ground. Glenn Manton took 12 marks, had 21 possessions and while generally a defender, kicked 2 important goals.

Team

Milestones

200 games: Stephen Silvagni
Interesting Fact: This would be the last time that Carlton would sit atop the AFL ladder until early 2009 - and even then Round 1 Ladders are notoriously deceiving. Despite our successes in 1999-2001, this was our last period of real dominance.