BACK in 1985, on an autumn April Saturday in early April, somebody down Linton Street way forgot to activate the sprinklers in the wee hours.

The upshot of it all was that a visiting Carlton outfit completed a 140-point annihilation of St Kilda - the Blues’ largest win in League history - on an unexpected but nonetheless welcome fast tracker at Moorabbin Oval.

With ruthless efficiency, the Parkin-coach Carltonites amassed a staggering 25.19 (169) to the Saints’ lamentable 2.17 (29), with 11 Blues all putting the footy over the goal umpire’s hat – and Tony Lockett kept goalless.

At the heart of the Moorabbin Massacre was Carlton centre half-forward Mark Maclure, who delivered a masterclass with six goals and countless setups through intelligent, creative play. The three-time premiership player was nigh on impossible to contain, as was another three-timer in Jim Buckley, who booted four goals of his own.

The Saints, out there in front of their own supporters, could barely muster a response - and not until the third quarter did their sole goalkicker Greg McAdam boot the first of two on what was a very forgettable Saturday arvo for them and their Senior Coach Graeme Gellie.

Carlton’s all-conquering victory sent a clear message across the competition, that when the Blues were in this mood, few sides could go with them.