Umpires: Sheehan, Ryan, Woodcock

Goalkickers: Murphy 5, Camporeale 3, Fisher, Whitnall 2, Franchina, Houlihan 1

Reports: Nil

Injuries: Nil

Game Review

Carlton broke through for its fourth win of 2003 over Richmond, in a closely fought contest. The match did not reach any heights in terms of skill, with both sides making a number of errors in windy conditions. Following a tight first half, which saw the Tigers 5 points ahead at half time, they kicked 3 goals to extend the margin to 15 points. Carlton then kicked the next 5 to take a 13 point lead at the final break. Ryan Houlihan and Matthew Lappin were using their silky kicking skills to set up forwards like Justin Murphy, who kicked 3 of them and followed up with another early in the last to take his tally to 5 for the day. This was a return to form for Murphy, after returning to the side from a week in the VFL. But Richmond kicked the next 4 to reclaim a narrow lead at the 24 minute mark. A free kick right in front of goal to Brad Fisher, who would earn a Rising Star Nomination for his good game up forward, would give Carlton the lead again and a goal to Houlihan after the siren would extend the final margin to 7 points.

Matthew Allan, in only his second match of the season, returned to form and dominated the hit outs (with 24, as well as 21 possessions and 12 marks). For the second straight week, Anthony Koutoufides would pick up 31 possessions and be Carlton's best player. Scott Camporeale had 25 and kicked 3 goals.

Little did we know that this would be the last time Carlton would taste victory in 2003.

Despite the quality of the game, this game is remembered by Carlton fans as an important win in the Home & Away rounds of the 2000's.

Team

Milestones

Rising Star Nominee: Brad Fisher
100 Goals (Carlton): Justin Murphy

Brownlow Votes

3: Anthony Koutoufides (CARL)
2: Justin Murphy (CARL)
1: Mark Chaffey (RICH)