Game Review

Carlton looked set to post a win against the similarly struggling Kangaroos - who had also won just 2 games for the season - after kicking the first goal of the final quarter, to lead by 19 points. After trailing the Roos by 2 goals at half time, a magnificent third quarter blitz, yielding eight goals, had given the Blues a 2 goal lead at the final change. But the Blues failed to kick another goal for the rest of the match, while the Kangaroos kicked the last six, to record a 19 point win.

This was the second week in a row that the Blues had lost a game after being in a winning position in the final quarter, as had occurred in Round 11. Coach Denis Pagan said after the game that Carlton's young team just weren't able to sustain their efforts and intensity like the heavyweights of the competition. They could match it with them for parts of the game but not for four quarters. The Roos tall forwards were also able to exploit Carlton's lack of tall defenders.

Marc Murphy was polished in the midfield and was the biggest possession winner on the ground with 25. Luke Blackwell kicked a classy goal in his third AFL game. Kade Simpson ran and found space well. Andrew Walker did a good job in the second half on Kangaroos star Shannon Grant, after he had caused a headache for the Blues defence with four goals in the first half, while much-maligned big man Adrian Deluca inspired with a three-goal cameo in the third quarter and two contested marks. Full forward Brendan Fevola booted five goals despite having to be carried off with a knee injury just before half time. His night appeared to be over at that stage but he made a surprising return after the long break. He took his total for the season to 48 to maintain his lead of the AFL goal kicking. Lance Whitnall was named Captain during Koutoufides' time on the injury list, a spell that would last until Round 16.

Team

-* Late change Blackwell for Kennedy

Brownlow Votes

3: Nathan Thompson (KAN)
2: Marc Murphy (CARL)
1: Shannon Grant (KAN)