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Game Review

Despite 2005 being the hottest year on record, the winter of 2005 was cold and barren. The temperature may have been up but our winter of 11 losses in a row chilled the hearts of Carlton fans across the globe. It all started in Round 7 when Richmond tore us apart on a beautiful sunny day at the 'G, and now, in Round 18, we were to face them again after a succession of big losses. With minimal expectations, the Blues took on the Tigers who were at the time falling out of the Top 8.

The line-ups reflected the changing of the guard in 2005. Whitnall would line up in defence on Richardson, reflecting our need for him to come good somewhere on the field. Camporeale would be at half back after being banished from the midfield. Kouta and Stevens would be in the middle, together with youngster Bentick, whilst the Blues would try a multi-pronged marking forward line of Waite, Fisher, Fevola and Longmuir to test out the uneven Richmond defence.

In the first quarter it would be this forward line that would make the difference. Stevens, freed from a Coughlan tag, would deliver well ona number of occasions as Fisher and Waite kicked 2 each to start the game. In defence, the Tigers were wasteful but Whitnall held his own. Youngster Deledio - son of Carlton player Wayne - would kick a fantastic individual goal against us but we would go into the first break about 20 points up.

The inevitable Tiger comeback was attempted but the Blues managed to hold their own, including more marks inside 50 as Waite and Longmuir kicked further goals.

Over the second half, the Tigers would continue to push but the Blues would have all the answers, given a well rounded midfield grouping of Kouta (31 possessions, 8 marks), Scotland (28 possies, 9 marks, 1 goal 2) and Stevens (23 possessions, 3 marks and 4 goals). The highlights also included 10 tackles to Adam Bentick, who would outpoint Coughlan, and Kade Simpson who was creating a spot in the team with 18 possessions on the half forward flank - each delivered fast and long to the leading midfield - and a Rising Star Nomination at the same time.

Even Fevola, suffering from osteitis pubis and some late season form concerns, would have a nice end to the game, with 4 goals. The Blues would win by 35points, and the drivers would come from a young spirited forward line and a balanced midfield. Although Richardson would go off injured in the first quarter, Whitnall managed 10 marks to lead the defence, perhaps providing an insight into where Whitnall will play out his career.

Overall it was a great day for the Blues, and great for fans to be able to achieve some slight revenge for Round 7.

Blueseum Footnote: This game has been selected by the Blueseum as one highlighting the career of Anthony Koutoufides. To read more, click here

Team

B:	16 Scott Camporeale (vc)	8 Lance Whitnall	4 Luke Livingston
HB:	20 Cory McGrath	15 David Teague	29 Heath Scotland
C:	6 Kade Simpson	24 Nick Stevens	27 Chris Bryan
HF:	12 Matthew Lappin	30 Jarrad Waite	14 Brad Fisher
F:	21 Troy Longmuir	25 Brendan Fevola	19 Eddie Betts
Ruck:	11 Barnaby French	43 Anthony Koutoufides (c)	44 Andrew Carrazzo
Interchange:
	22 Callum Chambers, 28 Ian Prendergast, 40 Adam Bentick, 3 Digby Morrell
Coach:	Denis Pagan
Emg:	Chris Bryan*	Ryan Houlihan	Andrew Walker
In:	Adam Bentick	Digby Morrell	Ian Prendergast
Out:	Trent Sporn*	Ryan Houlihan	Andrew Walker

-*late change Bryan for Sporn

Milestones

Rising Star Nominee: Kade Simpson
Score Records: This win broke Carlton's equal third-longest losing streak in our history

Brownlow Votes

3: Nick Stevens (CARL)
2: Anthony Koutoufides (CARL)
1: Heath Scotland (CARL)

Best & Fairest Votes

Anthony Koutoufides (45), Nick Stevens (41), Heath Scotland (40), Lance Whitnall (38), Kade Simpson (36), Adam Bentick, Andrew Carrazzo (33), Scott Camporeale (30), Jarrad Waite (21), Brad Fisher (20), Brendan Fevola (15)