There were many shining lights for the Blues in their thrilling two-point victory over Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium, but whose stats had the biggest say on the result?

Carlton Media picks its top-five most influential player stats from Round 8:

Sam Docherty
Career-high 28 effective disposals

Sam Docherty’s star continues to rise, with the defender producing his best game for Carlton in the win over Port Adelaide. The half-back set new career-highs in disposals (33), kicks (22), marks (13), uncontested possessions (21), contested marks (two) and effective disposals (28), with the latter ensuring the Blues rebounded effectively out of defence. Take a bow, Sam. 


Ed Curnow
Equal career-high seven inside-50s

Ed Curnow’s offensive game has taken huge strides forward in 2016, and was again showcased against the Power. The hard-running midfielder had an equal career-high seven inside-50s (the most of any Blue in Round 8), while also conjuring an equal team-high three goal assists and seven score involvements. He also kept Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak to just 12 possessions in a complete performance. 

Kade Simpson
Game-high 545m gained

Kade Simpson’s game-high 545m gained proved that he was the most effective player on the ground in moving the ball forward. Metres gained only count when the ball is moved forward, indicating Simpson’s ability to rebound from defence to devastating effect. 


Kade Simpson put in yet another excellent shift to mark his 250th game in style. (Photo: AFL Media)

Matthew Kreuzer
Game-high 11 hitouts to advantage

It was a backs-to-the-wall performance from Matthew Kreuzer, who had to perform as the Blues’ solo ruckman under duress after tearing his meniscus. But the big man rose to the occasion, with his game-high 11 hitouts to advantage (six more than next best Sam Rowe) highlighting just how dominant he was in the ruck duels. It didn’t end there, however, with Kreuzer spending more time up forward in the absence of Levi Casboult to boot two goals (including the match-winner) and have three goal assists.  

Patrick Cripps
Game-high 16 contested possessions

Patrick Cripps continues to reign supreme in the clinches. Remarkably, the reigning John Nicholls Medallist has led all players on the ground for contested possessions in every game he’s played this season. After copping a knock to the knee and re-entering the ground early in the last quarter to a rapturous applause, Cripps gathered nine disposals and monstered the Power in the stoppages to lift his side to a famous victory.

Who impressed you most against Port Adelaide? Have your say in the Hyundai Fans' MVP award.