Umpires: Avon, Grun, Schmitt

Goalkickers : B.Fevola 6, H.Scotland 2, J.Davies, R.Houlihan, B.Johnson, S.Camporeale, D.Morrell, L.Whitnall 1.

Reports: Nil

Injuries: Nil

Game Review

Prior to this match, the Weagles were sitting eighth on the ladder with two wins, while Carlton were in 11th place with just one. Even this early in the season, the Blues couldn't afford another loss. Thankfully, our work rate, team play and intensity was outstanding throughout the game, and we ran out easy winners.

The key to victory was Carlton's watertight defence, supported by a hard-running midfield that constantly pushed back to help out. West Coast were held goalless in the first half, as the home side took a decisive 41-point lead which was extended to 48 points at the final change. Both sided kicked four goals in the last quarter, but a 49-point margin in favour of the Blues was a just result.

For the winners, Jordan Bannister was outstanding in shutting down Brownlow medallist Chris Judd, who had only eight touches in the first half. Our other midfield runners - led by Nick Stevens, Scott Camporeale and Heath Scotland, also dominated their better-credentialled opponents. Best on Ground Matthew Lappin picked up 31 possessions patrolling the half-back line, where he read the play cleverly and linked up well with teammates further up the ground. Karl Norman subdued the normally dangerous Phillip Matera, keeping him goalless and limiting him to only four touches. Bret Thornton shut down Andrew McDougall, David Teague did the same to Brent Staker, and Ryan Houlihan controlled Rowan Jones. All were held goalless and to single figure possessions, while Brendan Fevola was a constant, effective target up forward for the Blues, and kicked 6 outstanding goals.

But perhaps the most vivid memory of all from this game was the spectacular debut of our first pick in the 2004 National Draft - and no, 2 pick overall - Andrew Walker, who gained 26 possessions, nine marks, and thrilled every Bluebagger watching on with his three or four genuine near-misses for Mark of the Year.

This match is remembered fondly by Carlton fans, and is considered one of our best wins in the Home & Away rounds of the 2000's.

Team

Milestones

Debut and Rising Star Nominee: Andrew Walker
Debut (Carlton): Glen Bowyer

Brownlow Votes

3: Matthew Lappin (CARL)
2: Heath Scotland (CARL)
1: Andrew Walker (CARL)

Best & Fairest Votes

Matthew Lappin (43), Andrew Walker (40), David Teague (39), Scott Camporeale, Heath Scotland (38), Karl Norman (35), Brett Johnson, Trent Sporn (33), Brendan Fevola (32), Nick Stevens (31), Jordan Bannister (26), Bret Thornton (16), Adrian Deluca (12), Justin Davies (9), Ryan Houlihan, Lance Whitnall (5)