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.
It ensured the Blues left Adelaide Oval with a victory over the Power - just their second interstate win over their hosts - and head into Friday night’s Carlton Respects Game against Geelong looking for a third consecutive victory.
YARTAPUULTI 2.0 3.5 5.7 8.10 (58)
CARLTON 5.0 9.4 10.8 13.14 (92)
GOALS
Yartapuulti: Horne-Francis 3, Whitlock 2, Marshall, Georgiades, Durdin
Carlton: McGovern 2, Kemp 2, Hayward 2, Walsh, McKay, Ison, Hewett, Evans, Cripps, Byrne
BEST
Yartapuulti: Horne-Francis, Drew, Butters, Evans
Carlton: Cripps, Hewett, Smith, Walsh, Hayward
INJURIES
Yartapuulti: Aliir (leg)
Carlton: Carroll (knee)
Crowd: TBC at Adelaide Oval
