MAKE that eight.

Carlton produced a brutal second term to continue its unbeaten run in Melbourne, holding off a resilient Sydney outfit by 15 points under the roof. 

Charlie Curnow was once again at his best with six majors, while it was a nine-goal second term which did the damage in a Navy Blue victory.

Quarter one 

It was a relatively even quarter from the two sides, with a lot of end-to-end play to start off the quarter. Luke Parker was the one who kickstarted the scoreboard for Sydney, while some missed opportunities for the Blues kept them from making full use of their territory. The Blues kicked five behinds for the term, with turnovers in the early going allowing the Swans opportunities to get the ball back on their terms. Carlton’s backline held up well against the rebounding ball, with Jacob Weitering keeping Lance Franklin quiet. Patrick Cripps was the one to get the Blues’ first major at the 13-minute mark of the quarter after some good work on the wing from Matthew Cottrell, while Sydney got the better of Carlton in the middle in the early stages: an area that usually results in scoring opportunities for the Blues. Corey Durdin showed some class and composure in the forward half, almost slotting a clever snap as well as setting up a monster goal for Charlie Curnow, who launched the ball from 55 metres out. Another Curnow goal on the siren put the Blues a point behind heading into the quarter-time break, despite having double the amount of scoring shots.

Quarter two

It was a dominant quarter for the Blues, kicking nine goals to the Swans’ three in what turned out to be a physical quarter. Durdin continued his impressive form, kicking a clever snap to open the term, putting the Blues ahead for the first time since a behind in the opening minute. Matt Kennedy, who ended the quarter on eight score involvements, slotted a goal for himself, while a busy Curnow kicked another three, making it five goals for the first half. Carlton definitely had the momentum in the term, getting the better of the possession and tackle count. A classy goal from the boundary off the boot of Tom De Koning had the Blues up and about, while Zac Fisher also contributed a running goal. Sam Walsh led the possession count with 21 disposals at half time, while Cripps led the clearances with five. It was simply a brutal quarter for the Blues, finishing with 19-5 inside 50s and ending the half with a contested possession differential of +29.

Quarter three 

Sydney came out hot in the second half, recording the first five inside 50s and the first two goals of the term. Carlton struggled to get the ball into their forward half, losing possession just past the centre square as its opposition began to force turnovers. It was Curnow who kicked the Blues back into action, slotting his sixth for the night, before an opportunistic goal from Matt Owies settled the Blues. Nic Newman stood up against his old side, but the Swans slowly chipped away at the margin, kicking the final three goals of the term to leave the Blues with a 17-point lead heading into the final quarter.

Quarter four 

Sydney picked up from where it left off, with Carlton unable to get a score on the board with the Swans’ backline intercepting well. Docherty continued to lead from the front for his teammates, setting up well behind the ball and using purposeful kicks to split the ground, producing a game-high 696 metres gained. De Koning’s marking was a saving grace for Carlton as an outlet further afield, in what was ultimately a bruising, physical encounter with the game on the line for both sides. The ability to cause a turnover inside the forward 50 was the deciding factor for the Blues, as Fisher swooped on a loose ball and sent one through the big sticks to leave a capacity Marvel Stadium crowd in raptures.

Three things from the game 

1. Charlie Curnow has again continued his fine goal-kicking form, slotting six goals for the game to take his tally to 33 for the season. Without the presence of reigning Coleman Medallist Harry McKay, Curnow once again stood up and got the scoreboard reward this week, with five of his goals coming in the first half. He now sits atop the Coleman Medal leaderboard. 

2. Matt Kennedy continued to be the unheralded presence in Carlton’s midfield. While Sam Walsh (34) and George Hewett (32) accrued the majority of possessions, Kennedy was at his combative best in the middle. With 13 of his 21 disposals being contested, he also registered 11 score involvements, getting bang for his buck in a crucial manner.

3. Corey Durdin had a strong impact in what was probably his best game in Navy Blue. Coming off a Rising Star nomination last week, Durdin contributed two goals, as well as six score involvements and some intense pressure in the forward half. Supported by Matt Owies and Jesse Motlop, the small forwards’ pressure continued to be a high-point of Carlton’s game, particularly in the first half with eight forward-50 tackles in the first two quarters.

Moment of the match

Zac Fisher.

When Carlton needed someone to step up as Sydney continued to surge, it was the in-form No.25 who delivered. 

Already with a career-best tally for goals in a season, Fisher's 11th of the campaign may not go down his best of the season but could be the most important, delivering the Blues an eighth win.

CARLTON         3.5     12.8     14.9        15.12 (102)       
SYDNEY           4.0     7.0       12.4        13.9 (87)

GOALS
Carlton: Curnow 6, Durdin 2, Fisher 2, Cripps, De Koning, Kennedy, Motlop, Owies

BEST
Carlton: Curnow, Weitering, Walsh, Hewett, Docherty, Kennedy, Fisher

ATTENDANCE
44,769