A DOMINANT performance from Charlie Curnow and a typically prolific performance from Sam Walsh has catapulted both Blues into the top 15 of the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award.
Sandwiched by Jacob Weitering as the prime vote-getters, both Curnow and Walsh joined captain Patrick Cripps in the award’s standings, equalling Melbourne’s tally with Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca and Max Gawn.
It was just a matter of how many votes Curnow received for his six-goal haul on Friday night (nine was the answer), which set the tone for a crucial Carlton victory in front of a capacity crowd under the roof.
Curnow was highly effective on the weekend, contributing 10 score involvements from 11 disposals and becoming the first Blue since Jarrad Waite in 2013 (ironically, also in the No.30) to have a handful of goals before half time.
He narrowly pipped Weitering at the other end for best-on-ground honours, who won an engrossing battle against Lance Franklin.
While Curnow’s forward exploits may have set up the win, Weitering’s defensive work saved it. Sydney went inside 50 on 37 occasions in the second half alone on Friday night, but Weitering was constantly there to repel any attack the Swans could muster in a 14-disposal, seven-mark performance.
Walsh joined them with seven votes, backing up his perfect 10 the previous week against Greater Western Sydney.
Yet to drop below 26 disposals for the season, it was another hot start for Walsh, who accumulated 13 disposals in the first quarter alone on the way to 34 for the game.
"There were a few times where the crowd was so loud. It created unbelievable excitement." - Sam Walsh
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) May 21, 2022
Last night was good. But you were great.
Walsh’s midfield counterpart George Hewett (four votes) also featured among the best players according to Michael Voss and John Longmire in his first game against his old side.
Admitting to some pre-match nerves, Hewett continued with what he has produced since arriving in Navy Blue, producing the most clearances (nine) and contested possessions (17) on the ground.
“After the Giants game, I was already a bit nervous. With a 7:50pm game, you’re waiting all day.
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) May 21, 2022
“They’re a tough side, Sydney. They have so much respect in this competition.” - George Hewett
Plenty of admiration from the former Swan in his first game against his old side. 🤝
Rounding out things from a Carlton perspective was Sam Docherty, who received a solitary vote in another well-rounded performance which saw him record the most metres gained from anyone on the ground.
It was the sixth game he has received votes this season, and his fourth in a row.
After Clayton Oliver's perfect 10 against North Melbourne, Cripps now sits in second place in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year leaderboard on 53 votes.
Round 10 votes:
9 - Charlie Curnow (CARL)
8 - Jacob Weitering (CARL)
7 - Sam Walsh (CARL)
4 - George Hewett (CARL)
1 - Sam Docherty (CARL)
1 - Luke Parker (SYD)
