CARLTON succumbed to an unrelenting Collingwood at The Gabba, finishing the match with a 24-point deficit.
Despite a strong first half that saw the Blues lead for the majority of the afternoon, missed opportunities after half time resulted in a disappointing finish.
Here is how the match unfolded.
Q1 breakdown:
A traditional rivalry started off fiery at the Gabba, with Collingwood claiming the upper hand minutes into the opening term with the first goal of the day. From there it was a see-saw through the middle of the ground with Carlton on the hunt for its first major. Veteran Eddie Betts got the Blues their reward in the seventh minute after repeat entries proved fruitless. The reply from the Pies came off the boot of Thomas and from there the contest was tightly held. The Blues had the final say of the quarter, with second-year midfielder Sam Walsh pushing up to get their second of the day. Setterfield showed composure with a strong start, finishing the quarter with eight disposals.
Q2 breakdown:
The second term started in the best way possible, with a certainty off the boot of Harry McKay. But in line with the theme of the match, the Pies hit back with two of their own from Thomas and Stephenson. From there it was a scoring flurry, with both sides trading majors on the board. Goals from Zac Fisher, Eddie Betts, Ed Curnow and Jack Newnes saw Carlton end the term with the eight-point advantage. Walsh worked his way into the game to finish the first half as the Blues’ most impactful, racking up 12 disposals and a goal for his efforts.
Q3 breakdown:
The third term showed Bluebaggers what this rivalry is all about, and the Pies weren’t going down without a fight. Behinds from Marc Pittonet and Michael Gibbons proved the only scores for the Blues in the third term, a reinvigorated Pies defence looking to stem the flow of the second quarter. A quarter played mainly through the centre saw Collingwood claw back Carlton's lead, a Mason Cox goal bringing them within just two points at the final change. Carlton stalwart Kade Simpson showed himself as the level-headed veteran, finishing the quarter on 17 disposals and four marks.
Q4 breakdown:
The fourth quarter brought a determined Collingwood, hitting the front early in the term. From there the Pies kicked away with three goals to establish the lead. Despite repeat entries, Carlton’s forwards continued to be stifled by an unrelenting Collingwood defence. Last minute offensive efforts didn’t convert, and it was Collingwood who finished with the four points after a 24-point victory.
Moment of the match:
Carlton looked a confident side heading towards the half-time siren, having kicked three consecutive goals. When Collingwood answered with their own major from Brody Mihocek, Jack Newnes refused to let that be the quarter’s full stop. Winding up from just inside the 50, Newnes proved once again he is not one to shy away from the big moments.
Three things we learned:
- A rookie no longer, Sam Walsh is the real deal. Finishing the afternoon with 22 disposals and a goal, no one could deny the impact of the second-year Blue. A Rising Star in his debut year, Walsh has proved that his talent compares to some of the competition’s best established midfielders.
- As much as the Blues’ youth continues to flourish, the veterans continue to match them. Marc Murphy and Kade Simpson are a reliable combination that you simply love to see, each finishing the day with 18 disposals.
- The higher stakes games Carlton compete in, the more the composure of its young side grows. Despite a disappointing finish, the Blues have shown they can hang with the best.
Match summary:
CARLTON 2.0 7.2 7.4 7.6 (48)
COLLINGWOOD 2.2 5.6 6.8 10.12 (72)
GOALS
Carlton: Betts 2, Walsh, McKay, Fisher, Curnow, Newnes
BEST
Carlton: Walsh, Curnow, Setterfield, Betts, Fisher, Weitering
