CARLTON has recorded its first lot of back-to-back wins since 2017, defeating Gold Coast by four goals at Marvel Stadium. 

While the Suns challenged right throughout the game, the Blues were able to maintain their composure to finish the game off strongly. 

Matthew Kennedy was among the Blues' best, relishing his recent move to the forward line to finish the day with four goals. Around the contest, it was Ed Curnow leading the way with 31 disposals, 15 contested possesions and five tackles. 

Q1 Breakdown:

Josh Deluca was able to settle any pre-game nerves early on in the first quarter, able to get his hands on the ball four times. The two teams went goal-for-goal early on, with neither able to break through with a clear lead. It was Will Setterfield and Matthew Kennedy who continued to enjoy their move up forward, kicking Carlton’s first two goals of the game. Around the ground it was Sam Walsh and Ed Curnow finding plenty of the footy with eight disposals each. The highlight of the term once again came from Marc Murphy, who put the pedal to the metal to beat three Suns to the contest, flick the ball onto Sam Petrevski-Seton, who found Zac Fisher open in the goal square.

Q2 Breakdown:

An early goal to Murphy saw the Blues build on their first-quarter lead. The pressure from the Blues around the contest was notable, forcing the Suns into quick disposals and a number of turnovers. It was the Suns, however, who would go on and make the most of their limited opportunities in front of the goals, lifting in the back half of the quarter to cut the Blues’ lead. However, two late goals meant the Blues were able to steady the ship, heading into the main break with a 24-point buffer.

Q3 Breakdown:

The Blues came out firing in the third quarter, with Harry McKay and Patrick Cripps kicking two early goals. However, it was Josh Deluca who stole the show after nailing his first goal in the Navy Blue, as his teammates came from everywhere on the ground to join in the celebrations. A third goal to Matthew Kennedy saw the Blues extend their lead to as much as 43-points, before a run of four unanswered goals to the Suns brought the game right back. Down back, the courage and commitment of both Liam Jones and Jacob Weitering to the contest was commendable, with both repeatedly putting their bodies on the line.

Q4 Breakdown:

It looked as though the fans were in for a see-sawing affair, with the Suns able to maintain the pressure they showed towards the end of the third quarter. However, a fourth goal for Kennedy was enough to help the Blues find their composure against a relentless Suns outfit. Ed Curnow had a massive impact playing in the centre of the ground, while the experience of Marc Murphy and Kade Simpson shone through with the game on the line.

Moment of the match:

It’s hard to go beyond Josh Deluca’s first goal in the Navy Blue. The mid-season recruit marked from a short lead in the forward line, went back with confidence and - despite a bit of a wobble - sent the ball sailing through the big sticks. A celebration he'll never forget followed, with Deluca's teammates joining in his jubilation in what must have been a special moment for the new Blue.

Three things from the game:

  1. Harry McKay’s impact in the forward line can’t be measured just by the amount of goals he scores. The tall forward led well with 10 marks to provide plenty of opportunities for his teammates, while his pressure helping the ball stay locked in the Blues’ attacking half. 
  2. Matthew Kennedy is repaying the faith shown in him by the coaches. His four goals today takes him to a total of eight goals over the last month of football, showcasing his talent as a pressure forward for the Blues. 
  3. Sam Petrevski-Seton is another Blue who seems to be getting the most out of a position change. Having spent much of the beginning of the year playing through the midfield, Petrevski-Seton’s move to the half-back line has allowed him to play with a freedom and class that he is well known for. Petrevski-Seton collected 12 contested possessions and seven rebound 50s in a polished performance.

CARLTON           5.3     8.5     13.6     15.9 (99)
GOLD COAST      2.3     4.5     10.6     11.9 (75)

GOALS
Carlton: Kennedy 4, McKay 2, Setterfield, Lang, Casboult, Deluca, Gibbons, O'Brien, Murphy, Fisher, Cripps

BEST
Carlton: E.Curnow, Jones, Petrevski-Seton, Kennedy, Casboult, McKay, Simpson

INJURIES
Carlton: Dow (illness) replaced in selected side by Deluca

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Foot, Howorth, Fleer

Official crowd: 31,765 at Marvel Stadium