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Our expert Steve Barrett gives his opinion on how the Blues dismantled the Eagles in Perth.
The blues are back
Despite being badly out of form and badly depleted with six forced changes on the back of an embarrassing loss to Hawthorn, Carlton defied the odds to return to Round 8 with a stunning comeback, albeit at the expense of a woefully uncompetitive West Coast.
Looking to build on their preliminary final appearance last year, the Blues were second after Round 16, before dropping to ninth before this weekend, with just one win – against North Melbourne – from their previous six starts.
Captain: Patrick Crippscredit: Getty Images
For Carlton, who leapfrogged Fremantle into eighth with a 65-point win at Optus Stadium, the equation is simple.
A win over St Kilda next week will guarantee you a place in September.
If the Blues lose, they can still qualify if Port Adelaide beat the Dockers in Perth in the final match of the home and away season.
Carlton's ball-based side had a field day, conjuring up frequent entries that provided plenty of opportunities for the Blues' second-string attack, which was missing twin towers Charlie Curnow and Harry Mackay.
The only negative for the Blues was a left shoulder injury to Corey Durden, who was fouled by Harvey Johnston late in the third quarter.
Boost Morale: The Blues are a cohesive unit.credit: AFL photos via Getty Images
captain marvel
Patrick Cripps boosted his hopes of a second Brownlow Medal by carrying the Blues on his back with a superb display in midfield.
The Eagles threw everything at Cripps — from throwing Harley Reed at him in a mouthwatering match, spending time with Elliot Yeo in a one-on-one matchup, and trying to get Zane True to work as a player — but nothing worked.
Cripps finished the game with a career-high 35 passes, 21 contested possessions, 10 clearances, 8 attempts inside the 50, 12 goal involvements and of course 3 Brownlow votes.
George Hewitt went with him as the Blues' engine put their superior rivals the Eagles to the sword, consistently outnumbering and outskilling the home side from the start.
Temporary attack line flourishes
Injury gave Carlton an opportunity.
Regular defender Brodie Kemp, who entered the game with two goals from 41 AFL appearances, extended his career tally to three, mixed with strong marks and clever chipping, after stepping up front in the absence of Curnow and Mackay.
Matt Oyse added a hat-trick in what was his usual impressive display. One of the 179cm Oyes' goals came courtesy of a cross from the smaller player against True and Brady Huff. Matthew Kennedy completed a fine performance with two goals.
Substitute Ashton Muir, on his debut, scored the goal of the day with a superb strike in the air over his shoulder late in the game.
Carlton's attack will be stronger when Curnow and Mackay return, but they have shown they have some depth in their goalkeeping reserves.
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