IT was an honest assessment of Carlton’s performance by senior coach Daniel Harford following the team’s narrow loss to the Cats in Round 4. 

The Blues were put under immense pressure by Geelong from the very first bounce, with the opposition playing a fast, hard style of footy with an immediate result.

The Cats had the run of the play for most of the first half, allowing them to dictate the way the flow and tempo of the game and execute their game plan with success. 

“The problem was our first half,” Harford said.

“When you get mauled at the contest, and you can’t match that, the game is pretty much taken away from you. 

“We had our chance in the second half but you can’t play a half of footy at any level and expect to win.”

A stern half-time address from the coach did see an immediate reply from the Blues, who showed that they were not willing to go down without a fight. 

Led by captain Bri Davey and Katie Loynes and supported by Gab Pound and Kerryn Harrington down back, the Blues put on a third quarter resurgence to give themselves every opportunity heading into the last quarter. 

While it wasn’t enough, Harford was very pleased with the way his team was able to respond when given the challenge.

“The third quarter we absolutely dominated in terms of the possession in forward half, and inside 50s and the like,” he said.

“Credit to Geelong, they knew what they were doing. They planned to absorb in that third quarter, pretty similar to in that last quarter with the heat that was coming their way. 

“It was nice to see a rally in that third quarter I must admit, but in the end it was too little too late.” 

It will come as no surprise to Blues’ supporters that it was Bri Davey leading the charge of the third quarter resurgence. 

After starting the game in defence, the captain was moved into the centre with immediate impact. 

Her poise, composure and football smarts shone through in the midfield, as her on-field actions demanded an immediate lift from her own teammates. 

“We thought with Bri being back, we’d be able to control that area and start to move forward when we got possession,” he said. 

“That was the theory. 

“She’s one of those players who can control the game wherever she is.”

The Blues will now regroup and shift their attention to the upcoming clash against traditional rivals Collingwood at Ikon Park next Saturday 2 March.