Game Review

Blues step up with emotional win
Carlton has produced an emotional win after a tumultuous seven days, triumphing by 12 points over the Western Bulldogs. - By Cristian Filippo, Carlton Media.

A week is a long time in football. Carlton has produced an emotional win after a tumultuous seven days, triumphing by 12 points over the Western Bulldogs. Trailing at each change, the Blues were irrepressible in the final term, slamming on five unanswered goals in the 10.14 (74) to 9.8 (62) win. On a night where Patrick Cripps led brilliantly and Matthew Carroll, Ollie Florent and Lachie Cowan stepped up, it wasn’t a night defined by skill - but rather, fight. The Blues were up for the contest from the outset, getting the early territory but unable to capitalise on the scoreboard. Harry McKay looked dangerous early and kicked the Blues’ first goal of the game, but the Blues missed some golden opportunities from there on in, hitting the post twice. To make matters worse for the Blues, the Dogs made the team pay at the other end, with only an incredible Matthew Carroll goal from long range seeing the Blues hit the scoreboard in a meaningful way to close out the term. That trend continued over the next two quarters, despite the Blues dominating a number of statistical categories - including time in forward half. But frustratingly for the home side and the fans in attendance, the Blues seemed unable to get the go-ahead goal, with the Dogs always managing to respond to keep the Blues at arm’s length. Cripps started to motor in the middle two terms while Cowan and Florent played on the front foot all night, willing to drive the Blues forward and attack the contest.

It was an at-times ugly wrestle, but at the final change, the Blues found themselves within touching distance - although they’d need to come from behind to return to winning form. They did exactly that in emphatic fashion. The Blues lifted again, and the Marvel Stadium crowd came with them, dominating out of the middle and locking the play in their forward half in a dominant 20 minutes. McKay gave the Blues the lead for the first time since the opening term, before Brodie Kemp put in a late submission for a Socceroos call-up with a volley that had Marvel Stadium bouncing. When a Ben Ainsworth snap was followed up by debutant Jack Ison kicking a rousing first goal, the Blues were home, ready to celebrate a first win since Round 1. Cripps was superb with 29 disposals, eight clearances and two goals, while Florent’s drive from half-back was ever present with 28 disposals. The Blues would’ve been buoyed by the games of Carroll (three goals) and Cowan (20 disposals), while in critical moments, McKay stepped up and led a rampant forward line which pressured all night. Carlton will look to go again when it takes on Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval next Saturday night.

Blue them away: Carlton defies tough week with rousing win over Dogs
A fourth-quarter blitz has laid the foundation for Carlton's emphatic win over the Western Bulldogs - By Gemma Bastiani.

Who knew the answer to Carlton's second-half blues was the caretaker coach bounce? After a tumultuous week that started with the resignation of head coach Michael Voss after a seven-game losing streak, the Blues showed no signs of emotional strain with their fourth-quarter blitz a world apart from the fadeouts that had become characteristic so far this season. Aggressive spread from contest, energy, and speed suddenly became the Blues' brand in the last quarter when they could sniff their first win since round one, and all the Western Bulldogs could do was watch it happen. Ultimately the re-energised Blues, led by interim coach Josh Fraser, ran out 10.14 (74) to 9.8 (62) victors under the Marvel Stadium roof on Saturday evening. Ollie Florent (28 disposals, eight intercepts) had his best game since joining the navy blue, patrolling half back beautifully, and it was vintage Patrick Cripps in the final term, limiting opposing captain Marcus Bontempelli while snagging 13 disposals and five clearances himself. After a stirring pre-game performance celebrating Sir Doug Nicholls Round that featured the Blues' Zac Williams and debutant Jack Ison as well as the Bulldogs' Arty Jones, the game opened with a showing of defensive grit from both sides. Forward entries weren't necessarily ineffective as a result of poor choices going inside, rather both backlines worked exceptionally well to repel attacks.

Notably, Carlton struggled to capitalise on its size advantage in attack, with Harry McKay, Mitch McGovern, and Brodie Kemp largely outsizing the Dogs' defence, as Rory Lobb was required through the ruck on his return from a hamstring injury, and James O'Donnell is still working back from a hamstring of his own. Instead, Matt Carroll (12 disposals, three goals) was the unlikely hero for the Blues, dobbing two majors from outside to lift the crowd, and his third from a 50m penalty in the final term. Cripps (29 disposals, two goals) also split his time between the middle and deep forward in an effort to further stretch the Dogs' defence. Poor conversion also hurt the Blues early on, missing shots from kickable areas, and much of their good work was undone by dropped marks in crucial moments. The Dogs were the first to break the slow style of play, starting to put speed on the ball following the main break. In doing so, opportunities for their sole tall forward, Aaron Naughton (12 disposals, three goals), grew. But that speed fell away as an already-stretched list had even more questions asked of it with a hamstring injury to winger Bailey Williams in the second quarter. Through the middle, the usual suspects for the Bulldogs – Ed Richards, Bontempelli – had quieter days by their lofty standards, but it created an opportunity for younger duo Joel Freijah and Ryley Sanders to show their wares. Nick Haynes spent the game coming back and forth from the bench managing first an ankle concern, then a blood nose, while Ollie Hollands worked through an ankle problem of his own, but was able to play out the game.

Rinse and repeat
Where the Blues were struggling to turn on the attacking faucet, midfielder Matt Carroll gave the crowd something to cheer for. Late in the first quarter he coolly slotted a goal from outside 50 to break a run of four behinds for the Blues. Then, in the third, he dobbed another from a near on identical spot, showing off his booming boot and turning to the crowd as it roared.

Hand to the face
Jacob Weitering didn't quite have the start to the game that he'd have been hoping for. Competing for a ground ball on the wing, he copped a heavy hand to the face which caused him to stumble backward and – eventually – require some help to get off the field. He was ill on the bench before catching his breath and composure to feel ready to return. Once back, however, the vice-captain was at his intercepting best, moving beautifully and impeding repeated Bulldogs' forward forays.

A special debut
Carlton's first ever Next Generation Academy debutant Jack Ison fittingly made his AFL debut in Indigenous Round following some impressive form in the VFL in recent weeks. Pre-match he, along with fellow First Nations players Zac Williams and Arty Jones, got involved in the Welcome to Country ceremony, dancing with group Bandok Tait. An immediate fan favourite, every time Ison got near the footy, the decibels under the roof increased, and it nearly blew off when he kicked his first major to seal the win.

Best: M. Carroll, O. Florent, O. Hollands, P. Cripps, N. Newman, L. Cowan.

Fraser on change, evolution and a "galvanised club"
A summary of Josh Fraser's pre-Round 10 press conference. - By Carlton Media

A Galvanised club.
Ahead of Carlton's return to action on Saturday night, Interim Coach Josh Fraser said it had been a united front at IKON Park this week after what's been a big seven days. Leading into tomorrow night's clash with the Western Bulldogs, here's what he had to say.

On the week that has been:
“It’s been a big week, Tuesday was a big day for the Club. It was important to give everyone the day to process how they needed to, but then importantly front up the next day, move forward and get to work. “We’ve got a game tomorrow night which is really important for us: post-Tuesday, it’s been about our preparation. I couldn’t be prouder of how our people and players have fronted up.”

On what he’s seen in recent days:
“There’s still so much to be gained. We’ve got time on our side, and the messaging early days has been around how we get better collectively and individually - that’s the challenge that’s in front of us. “I’ve seen a really galvanised playing group and a galvanised club. In terms of that aspect, we’re all in the same direction. Given the timeframe we’ve got, this will continue to evolve and move forward - what that looks like, it’s important we get to tomorrow night and be the best version of ourselves and play a brand of footy that excites our supporters.”

On what changes will be made: “Given we’ve got time on our side, I think the changes will evolve over time. If you consider the football we’ve played, there’s been some exciting parts to our game. We haven’t been consistent enough over four quarters and we acknowledge that, and there are some scenarios and momentum swings which we need to manage a lot better than what we have. “We’ll take a really considered approach to how we evolve the way we play and what that looks like from a system perspective as well as personnel.”

On what he sees as the key changes needed in-game: “I don’t think it’s one thing. Largely it’s about how we manage momentum shifts in-game: there’s a connection piece on-field with that, there’s a belief component to that in terms of persisting with the way we want to play. “We’ve got to continue to train it, and I think that’s something we can get to work on over the next 14 weeks, in terms of how we manage those moments and what it looks like for certain individuals in those moments. That’s the process we’ve started, and it’s something we’ll continue to work on.”

On Patrick Cripps’ impact in recent days:
“I couldn’t speak highly enough of our leaders, and ‘Crippa’ is at the forefront of that. The support that he’s shown myself and everyone else in the footy department, his desire to take the Club forward and the way he spoke to the group about ‘Vossy’s’ departure - around his love and respect for him, and acknowledging what ‘Vossy’ has done for this club in his time - I think our leaders have been outstanding. “They’re in a space like all of us where we want to encourage them to continue to grow, not only as leaders but also with their on-field performances. He’s motivated by that challenge.”

On a gradual approach to change: “We’ll certainly look at it. What this gives us is an opportunity for our experienced players to get better, that’s something we want to challenge and push really hard. That notion of how we get better is not just isolated to our young players, but we will consider what selection looks like from week to week. “It needs to be a considered approach, because we need to make sure the players coming into the team are well prepared and well set up, and when they get their opportunity, they’re supported by experienced players and leaders on-field. That’s something I’m aligned with the Club, that we keep evolving and keep exploring - but I don’t think it needs to be done in one week. “What we will see is change to some degree in that period of time, while we also want to continue to drive winning standards and habits. I’m not in a position to say these are the things we’ll categorically see, but hopefully there’s comfort in our supporter base knowing the mindset moving forward will be to explore and be curious about how we get better.”

On rewarding VFL form:
“It’s worth acknowledging the form our VFL team has been in, and a lot of credit goes to Damian Truslove who’s coaching down there and our development coaches. They’re doing a terrific job. “We’ve got players in form which is pleasing, and that’s something we’ll continue to push around selection integrity and making sure players are in form at both levels. Off the back of that, we can consider what changes we make.”

On Jack Ison’s debut:
“He’s really exciting. He’s our first Indigenous NGA player to come through the Club and earn an opportunity, and it’s important we understand that he really has earned his opportunity… it’s worth celebrating Jack’s debut, Sir Doug Nicholls Round as well, which is pretty significant for him. We’re really excited to see what he can do. “There’s a sprinkling of youth there, which we’re excited about. That’s something that’s been skipped over a little bit: Jack comes in as a first gamer, it’s Jagga’s first season of football effectively, Harry Dean’s been playing terrific footy and Billy Wilson will play again after coming into the side last week.”

On his coaching philosophy and approach:
“My coaching journey has been through development and coaching my own teams, which I’ve loved. My philosophy is based largely around creating an environment where you’re encouraging people to get better every day. That’s staff, that’s players. ’m a big believer in the habits you develop Monday to Friday then turn up on game day. That’s the environment we want to push. “My responsibility right now, along with the coaching group, is to drive the program forward. This is not about me, this is not about any individual, this is about a collective approach. Our leaders and our playing group are as tight as you could hope for, and as determined as you’d want to see. “Given the runway to the end of the season, I think it presents a great opportunity for the Club to move forward, for individuals to grow and for us to be better placed when the season comes to an end.”

On his Carlton Senior Coach ambitions:
“I’m ambitious and I want to be a senior coach at some point, but as we stand here right now, I don’t think I’m quite ready. “What this opportunity gives me is the chance to jump in the driver’s seat, learn a lot about myself and hopefully be better placed at the end of it. Right now, I’m just focused on how we collectively move this club forward. This is not my job, I’m an Interim Coach. But I’ve got a job to do to make sure this club is better placed at the end of the 14 weeks.

On his message to Carlton fans:
“I don’t know if I need to send one, and the reason I say that is because it’s something in my short term here that has jumped out at me: the passion this supporter base has. It’s unconditional. They turn up to support, they want to see their team play a brand of football they can be proud of. “What I’d ask is continue to see the things we’re trying to evolve and grow, continue to support the players and the football club - because this is about how we continue to move forward and set ourselves up for the future.”

On whether he’s spoken to Michael Voss in recent days:
“I’ve spoken to ‘Vossy’ and I’ve reached out again, we’ll catch up at some point. I had huge admiration for him when we were playing, and while I only worked with him for a short period of time, I just love him as a person and the way he has led under a lot of adversity. He’s one of the best people I’ve met in football, and I want to maintain contact with him throughout this next little while, to continue to offer my support for him but also lean on him where I feel like I need to.”

Jack Ison is the good news story Carlton needed
There's been very little to warm the hearts of Blues fans this season, and most of the past 12 months. But following a horror fortnight in which Carlton was fined for its handling of the Elijah Hollands situation, AFL senior coach Michael Voss departed and it also lost its AFL list manager and AFLW head of footy, debutant Jack Ison proved to be just the tonic fans and the club needed. A young Indigenous man, making history as the first player to don the navy blue after coming through the club's Next Generation Academy and running out in Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Ison had all of Marvel Stadium riding every wave of his night, from the pre-match dance to his match-sealing first goal against the Western Bulldogs. Sometimes, a debut means that little bit more, and for Ison and the Blues fans, it was exactly that. - Gemma Bastiani

Blues caretaker praises 'outstanding' skipper
Josh Fraser has heaped praise on captain Patrick Cripps after a tough week at Carlton - By Gemma Bastiani

Carlton interim coach Josh Fraser has praised captain Patrick Cripps for standing up in the last quarter as the Blues rode a wave of momentum after an emotional week. The Blues snagged their first win since round one – and their first over the Western Bulldogs since 2022 – releasing the pressure valve at the club after a tumultuous season which culminated in head coach Michael Voss stepping aside on Tuesday. Cripps, who has faced speculation over his future at the club, finished the game with 29 disposals, eight clearances and two goals, with 13 disposals and five clearances coming in the final term as the Blues overran the Dogs by 12 points. "He's been under a fair bit of pressure," Fraser said of the skipper. "A lot of commentary around 'Crippa', as there always is. He's just an incredibly impressive guy, the way he leads and the way he led tonight, the way he was able to execute his role but also organise and drive others to do so as well. "He's had a great week. I mean, it's been a tough week for him, but the support he's given me, the way he's led the playing group, he's been outstanding."

Under Fraser, the Blues looked to engage the crowd, getting the supporter base back on side after a tough stretch. Debutant Jack Ison was the perfect conduit to do just that, enthralling the nearly 40,000-strong crowd pre-match as he, teammate Zac Williams and Dog Arty Jones joined the Indigenous dance troupe during the Welcome to Country. It was topped off with Ison kicking the sealer for his first major in the big time. "I'm not sure I expected (the crowd to connect with Ison), but we had a focus tonight around the way we wanted to play to really connect with the crowd and our supporter base, and that was an important part of the way we wanted to play tonight," Fraser said. "And Jack added to that, and really exciting to see him get his opportunity again. He's a great story, he's going to excite a lot of Carlton supporters over the years, but the way he was able to stand up in that last quarter as well, I think he had seven or eight possessions in that last quarter when the game was quite hot. "So yeah, he's a bit of a cult figure already, which is fantastic. And his game's only going to continue to get better."

In: Jack Ison
Out: Adam Saad (hamstring)

Milestones

Debut: Jack Ison
Debut (Coach): Josh Fraser

Interesting Facts

1. Jack Ison became the 30th player to wear Guernsey 30 in a senior game for Carlton.
2. Matt Carroll kicked a career high three goals.
3. It was a shootout the last time that these teams met in Round 10, 2007. Matthew Lapppin kicked five goals, and there were 25 goalkickers as Carlton won 21.12.138 to 19.14.128. This was the Bulldogs' highest losing score against Carlton.

Free Kicks

Carlton 19
Western Bulldogs 17

Umpires

Cameron Jones, Mathew Nicholls, John Howorth, Jordan Fry.

Front Runners

1. Oliver Hollands 14.6km
2. Sam Walsh 14.4km
3. Ryley Sanders (Western Bulldogs) 14.3km
4. Oliver Florent 14.0km
5. Joel Freijah (Western Bulldogs) 13.9km

Disposal Efficiency

1. Matt Carroll 100%
2. Oliver Hollands 94%
3. Oliver Florent 93%
4. Nick Haynes 88%

AFLCA Votes

9 - Patrick Cripps (CARL)
8 - Oliver Florent (CARL)
7 - Matt Carroll (CARL)
2 - Jagga Smith (CARL)
2 - Bailey Dale (WB)
1 - Aaron Naughton (WB)
1 - Lachlan Cowan (CARL)

Brownlow Votes

3 Patrick Cripps
2 Oliver Florent
1 Jagga Smith

Best and Fairest Votes

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