Umpires: C Mitchell, D Howlett, B Roseberry

Goalkickers: B.Fevola 3, L.Whitnall 3, A.Koutoufides 2, I.Prendergast 2, R.Houlihan 1, D.Hulme 1, M.Lappin 1.

Best: A.Koutoufides, L.Whitnall, C.Bradley, S.Silvagni, J.Plunkett, A.Hickmott, R.Houlihan.

Reports: G Kilpatrick (charging Porter), D Mensch (charging Koutoufides), Milburn (charging Silvagni) - 3 weeks.

Injuries: B.Ratten (elbow), A.Franchina (hamstring), M.Porter & S.Silvagni (concussion).

Game Review

After an even first quarter, Carlton kept Geelong goalless for the remainder of the match and ran out 70-point winners. Late in proceedings, as the Blues were cruising toward victory, our champion full-back Stephen Silvagni was crashed to the turf and heavily concussed by a front-on shoulder charge from young Cat Darren Milburn. While Silvagni was being helped from the field, the home crowd vented their fury at Milburn, who responded with a single-finger salute even as one of the field umpires placed him on report. Milburn’s deliberate attack on the man instead of the ball - and his provocative response - was deeply resented by all Carlton supporters, and was never forgiven. Although he was found guilty of charging at the tribunal (and suspended for three matches) from that day on, and throughout his lengthy career, Milburn would be roundly hooted by Blues fans each and every time Carlton played Geelong.

In further bad news, Carlton's finals chances were dealt a severe blow in the space of five minutes when we lost Brett Ratten with an elbow injury, and Anthony Franchina with a hamstring tear. Neither would play a part in Carlton's finals. In addition, both Mark Porter and Stephen Silvagni sustained concussion. While they recovered enough to play the following week, neither were at their best.

Anthony Koutoufides and Craig Bradley each had 32 possessions and were the best two players on the ground. Jim Plunkett continued his good form - particularly after the loss of Ratten - and had 24 possessions. Before he was pole-axed, Stephen Silvagni was very good in defence with 19 touches, and Lance Whitnall continued his good form up forward with 3 goals and 8 marks. Ian Prendergast showed continued improvement with two goals in just his sixth game.

Final Ladder Position: 5th

Team

Milestones

150 Games (AFL) / 100 Games (Carlton): Adrian Hickmott simultaneously achieved both milestones against the club he had played the first 50 of those games.
Interesting fact: This would be the last time until Rounds 11 to 13, 2004 that the Blues would win 3 games in a row.
Interesting fact: The Blues wouldn't hold a team to 27 points again until Round 13, 2020 when they defeated the Gold Coast Suns.

Brownlow Votes

3: Anthony Koutoufides (CARL)
2: Craig Bradley (CARL)
1: Stephen Silvagni (CARL)