Game Review

Back-to-back Blues secure big win on the road
Carlton defeated Yartapuulti by 34 points at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night. - By Cristian Filippo, Carlton Media

Carlton has made it two victories in a row and a sweet win at Adelaide Oval, defeating Yartapuulti by 34 points. On a night where they led for the majority of the game, the Blues put the foot down in the first half and survived a potential late scare in the 13.14 (92) to 8.10 (58) win. In the Blues’ most complete performance of the season so far, it was a night where senior Blues and a young contingent combined beautifully, leading at every change and bringing the four points back to Melbourne. Strong midfield showings by leaders Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh were complemented by incredibly promising signs by youngsters Jagga Smith, Jack Ison and Harry Dean, who nullified Power danger man Mitch Georgiades. Looking to make Harry McKay’s 150th game a night to celebrate, the Blues jumped out of the blocks with five goals in the opening term. On the back of his impressive debut last week, Jack Ison picked up from where he left off, snapping truly while also registering two direct goal assists in the opening term. The Blues were the beneficiary of their surge footy in the first term, having 30 more handballs in the opening quarter - captain Cripps led the way, registering 13 disposals and four clearances in the first term alone as the Blues opened up a three-goal lead.

The only unfortunate note in the opening term for the Blues was a knee injury to Matt Carroll, who didn’t return to the field after a knee injury in the opening minutes. Carlton was ultra effective in the first half, continuing that trend in the second term: despite inside 50s being level come half time, the Blues had registered five more scoring shots and had a 35-point lead to show for their hard work. The Blues kicked eight goals without any behinds, with Brodie Kemp registering a quickfire double to help widen the gap on the scoreboard. Meanwhile, at the other end, the Blues defended resolutely, with Lachie Cowan continuing his exceptional form while Harry Dean stood up time and time again opposed to Mitch Georgiades. The Blues had the chance to put the game to bed early in the third term but couldn’t generate the same scoreboard return as they did in the first half: after being 8.0 late in the second term, eight of the Blues’ next 10 scores were behind. It was Will Hayward who stood up with an outstanding finish on the run from the junction of the 50 and boundary lines, giving Carlton a game-high lead. But Port made the running either side of three-quarter time, bringing the margin back to 24 points. Up against his former side, Francis Evans nailed the moment late with an opportunistic snap, and when Jagga Smith found Harry McKay on the chest, the milestone man made no mistake.

Best: P. Cripps, G. Hewett, J. Smith, S. Walsh, W. Hayward.

New Blues go back-to-back with big win over Power
Josh Fraser has extended his early perfect record in charge at Carlton with a strong win over Yartapuulti - By AAP with Howard Kimber

A dynamic display from Patrick Cripps has inspired Carlton to a 34-point belting of Yartapuulti to retain caretaker coach Josh Fraser's perfect winning record. The Blues thumped a lacklustre Power 13.14 (92) to 8.10 (58) at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night as Fraser banked a second victory from as many games at the helm. Captain Cripps turned in another brilliant display, collecting 31 disposals, eight clearances, a goal and nine score involvements. The dual Brownlow Medal winner set the tone with 19 touches and his goal in a dominant opening half when the Blues crafted a match-defining 35-point lead. Forwards Mitch McGovern, Will Hayward and Brodie Kemp kicked two goals each as Carlton improved its record to three wins and eight losses - the same as Yartapuulti. Cripps and his fellow midfielders George Hewett (26 touches, one goal), Sam Walsh (28, one goal) and Jagga Smith (27 disposals) torched Power’s on-ballers. And recruits Hayward (19 possessions, two goals) and Ollie Florent (26 disposals) were also busy as the Blues put a dent in the 150th game of Yartapuulti star Zak Butters. The Power's midfield ace recorded 28 disposals but was largely subdued - the triple club champion was moved to half-back from late in the third quarter. Brownlow medallist Ollie Wines had just five disposals in the game as Yartapuulti relied almost exclusively on Jason Horne-Francis, who was outstanding with 32 disposals, three goals and eight clearances.

The Blues, propelled by their skipper, made a fast start, kicking 5.0 to 2.0 in the opening term. Despite losing utility Matt Carroll to a knee injury, Carlton's attack fired as Cripps collected 13 disposals and four clearances in the quarter. The Blues' lead would have been greater if not for the feats of Horne-Francis, whose 10 touches in the term featured both his side's goals. Cripps' imprint continued in the second stanza, the skipper scoring the first of four more goals for the visitors as they stretched to a 35-point advantage. Carlton kicked its initial eight goals without a miss - a wayward left-footer from Cripps in the 16th minute of the term was their first behind. With second-game spark Jack Ison and Kemp prominent, the Blues held a 34-point buffer at half-time, the same as the final margin. Yartapuulti made slight inroads in the third term with two goals to one - the second, from ex-Blue Corey Durdin, came as a mass of players wrestled in a melee. The hosts trailed by 31 points at three-quarter time and were 25 down when Todd Marshall goaled in the opening seconds of the final quarter. But Carlton extinguished any hope of a Power comeback by booting the next three goals. Two on the trot for the Blues as they enjoy a 34-point win. They were highly efficient with their entries scoring from 53% of their inside 50s in comparison t0 38% from Yartapuutli. They were able to own the ball once it left the stoppage area, having three more post-clearance contested possessions as well as 68 more uncontested possessions. Their attacking midfield generated 4.3 (27) from intercepts on the scoreboard - their second-most for the season from this zone. A true team effort, with Carlton having 10 individual goal kickers tonight - their equal-most in a match this season.

Ex-Blue sparks a big blue
There was tension between the two sides from the first bounce, but it didn’t rise to the surface till late in the third quarter. Former Blue Corey Durdin tackled one-time teammate Billy Wilson to earn a free kick in front of goal. He duly converted as a bit of push and shove developed behind him, lifting to a crescendo that will see the MRO hitting the rewind button a few times to check all the angles and activities.

In-form forward out of the contest early Matthew Carroll was a big part of Carlton’s drought-breaking round 10 victory over the Western Bulldogs, but unfortunately the young forward won’t have such good memories from this win. Carroll grabbed the back of his knee early in the first quarter, limping from the ground straight away and not coming back into the contest. The 20-year-old was just starting to secure his place in the Blues’ best lineup but could now be looking at a lengthy stay on the sidelines.

Best: P. Cripps, G. Hewett, J. Smith, S. Walsh, W. Hayward.

'It's fun, winning': Fraser says Blues finding belief
Successive wins has Carlton feeling good about itself - By Howard Kimber

Carlton's caretaker coach Josh Fraser is clearly satisfied by the start to his time in the main seat, but moreso he's enjoying watching the effect match day success is having on his playing group. Saturday night's away win against Yartapuulti followed a strong first-up victory over the Western Bulldogs and is reward for things the Blues have been working on all year, but really working on over the past fortnight. "I was really happy with tonight's performance, we were able to consolidate some things we were working on during the week, and it came to the forefront again last week," Fraser said post-match. "Our contest method again was quite strong, I enjoyed the way we defended the ground." Asked what the turnaround in fortunes has done for the group, the coach concentrated on the bringing together of the players. "I think it builds belief," Fraser said. "Winning's important, it gives you affirmation of the work you're putting in, but for me I'm just so pleased at how connected the group are. They look connected, they look happy and I think we've been heading that way for a while, so it's pleasing to see them enjoy a win." While Patrick Cripps again starred for his side, one of the biggest positives is the continuing development of Jagga Smith after missing his entire first season last year with a pre-season knee injury.

Smith started this year in a half-back role but has moved into the midfield in recent weeks and is relishing the increased time around the ball and the responsibility that goes with it. "He's exciting isn't he? He's incredibly driven to be a great player and he's in a hurry, which is exciting in itself," Fraser said. "He’s assumed some leadership in effectively his first year of football." A less exciting element of Saturday's game was the first-quarter knee injury sustained by Matt Carroll, and while Fraser says he is hopeful the damage is not too great, the club will need to wait for scan results before knowing the severity of the injury. On a positive note, Jacob Weitering is expected to return next week and Zac Williams is also a chance to face Geelong in what will be a tough challenge for Fraser to maintain his unbeaten record. "It's a massive test, every week is," he admitted. "I think it's exciting, another opportunity to play in front of a home crowd. It'll be a great occasion for us, a great opportunity, a chance to review the game, to prepare well and take on a team that in some ways has been a benchmark for a long time."

Blues are getting plenty of satisfaction from Jagga
After a first year missed through injury, Carlton will have had anxious moments about the future of Jagga Smith, but there is little to worry about. Smith debuted in Opening Round this year, 12 months later than anticipated, but immediately showed he was capable at the level. He lined up on the back flank against Sydney in what has become the preferred apprenticeship for modern-day onballers, but Smith has progressed rapidly and spent Saturday's win against Yartapuulti in the midfield, racking up 27 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency to be one of the Blues' best. "He's incredibly driven to be a great player," interim coach Josh Fraser said of Smith post-match. "And he's in a hurry." He definitely is and he doesn't look like slowing down until he's among the game's elite. – Howard Kimber

In: Wade Derksen, Talor Byrne, Flynn Young
Out: Jacob Weitering (calf tightness), Oliver Hollands (ankle), Zac Williams (Managed)

Milestones

150 Games: Harry McKay
50 Goals: Sam Walsh

Interesting Facts

1. This is the first time in ten seasons that Carlton have three or more draftees from the National Draft play in the same game before the mid-season bye (Talor Byrne, Harry Dean, and Jack Ison).
2. The Blues had seven players in their 23 with less than a dozen games of experience: Jagga Smith, Flynn Young, Harry Dean, Billy Wilson, Talor Byrne, Wade Derksen and Jack Ison.

Free Kicks

Carlton 16
Port Adelaide 13

Umpires

Jordyn Pearson, Daniel Johanson, Curtis Deboy, Jack Howard.

Reports

Mitchell Georgiades (Port) was reported for being an instigator of a melee/wrestle - he was offered a $1000 fine with an early plea.
Sam Walsh (Carl) was reported for engaging in a wrestle - he was offered a $1,875 fine with an early plea.
Jordon Sweet (Port) was reported for striking Harry Dean (Carl); it was rated as careless conduct, low impact and high contact. He was offered a fine of $2,000 with an early plea.

Front Runners

1. Adam Cerra 14.4km
2. Jacob Wehr (Port Adelaide) 14.2km
3. Tom Anastasopoulos (Port Adelaide) 14.1km
4. Jagga Smith 13.9km
4. Ewan Mackinlay (Port Adelaide) 13.9km

Disposal Efficiency

1. Nic Newman 91%
2. Ben Ainsworth 88%
3. Lachlan Cowan 86%
3. Sam Walsh 86%
3. Brodie Kemp 86%

AFLCA Votes

10 - Patrick Cripps (CARL)
8 - Jagga Smith (CARL)
5 - Jason Horne-Francis (PORT)
3 - Sam Walsh (CARL)
2 - Will Hayward (CARL)
1 - Nick Haynes (CARL)
1 - George Hewett (CARL)

Brownlow Votes

3 Patrick Cripps
1 Jagga Smith

Best and Fairest Votes

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