The Wrap Up | R2 V Western Bulldogs
Written by Ari Stamatakos
MATCH SUMMARY
Thursday night football once again for the Blues. This time at Marvel Stadium against the Western Bulldogs. The Blues were coming off a streak snapping win against the Tigers, whereas the Dogs couldn't best the Dees in their grand final rematch. The stage was set for the Blues to have their best start to a season since 2012, and the Dogs were on a redemption mission.
It was the perfect start for the Blues. Lochie O’Brien got the ball inside 50, Charlie Curnow came across the pack, took a great mark and snapped the first for the Blues within 17 seconds. The Dogs responded, however, after locking the ball in their forward 50 for a couple of minutes, they got rewarded through a very good Tim English goal. They hit the lead shortly thereafter as Jamarra Ugle-Hagan snapped truly for a goal. The Blues hit back swiftly, as Jack Silvagni kicked his first, before Matthew Kennedy and Harry McKay kicked two quick goals to give the Blues a 13 point lead. Not long after, Adam Treloar had an open 50 to work with, ran in and kicked a goal. Not before Patrick Cripps and Anthony Scott traded goals to end the first term.
The Blues started the 2nd term off hot. Cripps roved got some space in the forward 50 and kicked his second of the night. McKay kicked his trademark snap from the pocket, before Matt Owies got in on the act, kicking a clever snap to give the Blues three goals in a row to start the second stanza. Curnow launched a massive up and under left foot snap that sailed through for a goal, and within a blink of an eye, the Blues led by 31 points. Aaron Naughton and McKay traded goals, before Zac Fisher kicked a massive goal from the 50 to give the blues a 36 point lead. The Dogs finished strongly, kicking 2 of the last 3 goals of the term, cutting the margin back to 31 at the main change.
We all knew the Dogs were going to come roaring back in the 2nd half, and it didn’t take long for that to come to fruition. Bailey Dale kicked one from beyond the arc to get things going before Cody Weightman’s floater sailed through for his first of the game. Silvagni kicked a steadier for the Blues, but tom Liberatore and Scott responded in kind, kicking two goals, and cutting the margin to 13 points. The Blues needed an inspirational moment, and Curnow delivered. Roving a pack brilliantly and kicking a much-needed goal to go into the final break.
With the Blues having a three-goal lead heading into the last quarter, the first goal was crucial in determining the result of the game. And went Marcus Bontempelli got some space and took a great mark inside, the nerves crept back into the Blues fans heart. Back to 12 points and the Blues needed something. Up step king Curnow. He earned a free-kick tucked deep in the hidden pocket, before kicking a Dom Sheed esq goal from the boundary and lifting the Blues from the canvas. And when the Blues were rocked by a Mitch Hannan miracle goal, Curnow was there to punch straight back. From the Clearance, it was Cripps, to Sam Walsh, who delivered beautifully into the chest of Curnow. He went back and kicked his 5th of the night, back to an 18 point game. From there, it was a torturous final part of the game. As the Dogs had chance after chance to hit the scoreboard but failed at every opportunity. In the end, it was 7 behinds to end the game for the Dogs, who couldn't overrun a courageous Blues outfit, as they came away with all four points, and start the season 2-0 for the first time in 10 years.
BREAKING IT DOWN: KEY MATCH INSIGHTS
A Massive 2nd Term
This was the game-breaking quarter. The Blues piled on 7 goals and completely turned the game on its head. It destroyed the Dog's confidence and gave the Blues unwavering belief that they could win this game. It was a brilliant summation of how good and hungry Carlton were throughout the game, and how much improvement this side has had over the off-season. It was led by Patrick Cripps, who kicked a brilliant goal in that quarter and led the Blues dominance from the middle. The two key forwards started to get on a roll, kicking 4 between them that quarter. The Blues stamped their mark on the game and gave the challenge to the Dogs to respond.
It was something that Blues fans could only dream of a matter of months ago, and to see that come to life was extraordinary. This quarter blew the game wide open. It gave the Blues a belief that carried them over the line and showed just how well we can set up both with and without possession. It was marvellous to see.
The Best
Patrick Cripps, Matt Kennedy, Sam Walsh, Charlie Curnow, Sam Docherty, Zac Williams, Harry McKay, George Hewett, Adam Saad, Jack Silvagni, Lochie O’Brien
Final Scores
Western Bulldogs: 4.1 (25), 7.3 (45), 11.5 (71), 13.12 (90)
Carlton: 5.2 (32), 12.4 (76), 14.5 (89), 16.6 (102)
