IN A game where the margin never exceeded two goals, Carlton was left to rue what might have been in a five-point defeat to the reigning premier. 

Leading with just minutes to go, a Melbourne major inside the final 15 seconds meant the result fell out of the Blues' fingertips after a high-energy, high-intensity game of football at the MCG. 

Playing extensively in the midfield, Sam Docherty was prolific in a well-rounded performance (28 disposals, 10 tackles, six clearances), while Jack Martin and Harry McKay stood up with three goals apiece. 

Quarter one:

It was a high-pressure start to the first quarter with Melbourne kicking the first goal of the match at the seven-minute mark through Jake Melksham. It was a high-pressure first quarter, which led to some simple skill errors from both sides. Melbourne began to flex its muscle in terms of contested possessions and hitouts, but all was lost for the Blues with the ever-consistent Sam Walsh (11 first-quarter disposals) having an impact on the game. Harry McKay turned the pressure up with a run-down tackle on Angus Brayshaw in the Blues’ forward 50, leading to Carlton’s first goal of the term. The Blues entered the first change leading by the narrowest of margins.

Quarter two:

The pressure was on at the beginning of the second quarter, with Melbourne kicking the first of the term. The Blues responded by springing a counter attack,  with a smashing kick inside 50 from Charlie Curnow setting up McKay’s second goal of the game. The Blues looked more free this term, continually switching the ball and creating more run through the middle of the ground. Lewis Young held up well defensively, recorded five intercept marks for the half, with the last launching an attack which ended in a classy Zac Fisher half. However, a Bayley Fritsch goal on the half-time siren meant the Demons led by eight points, but there was still plenty to play out.

Quarter three:

With the second half of the game underway, the pressure did not let up at all, with end-to-end scoring from both sides. Jack Sivagni kicked the first for the Blues this term, granting him reward for effort throughout his game. McKay kicked his third for the match and with repeat inside 50s and an excellent smother from Owies, Durdin was able to seal the deal with his first goal of the match. Melbourne was up to the challenge though and continued to put the pressure on inside Carlton’s defensive 50, making it difficult to steal away a clean possession. Carlton’s backline was doing just as good of a job, with Young standing tall to record 14 spoils to the final change.

Quarter four:

It was Jack Martin who looked to lift his side single-handedly, kicking a goal in the opening minute of the term to give the Blues the lead. It was that man again who would reestablish Carlton’s scoreboard ascendancy, snapping truly after strong defensive play from Adam Saad and a courageous mark from Sam Walsh. With a result meaning a lot for both sides, the contest was as willing as it had been all game, with a Charlie Curnow mark and goal giving the Blues an eight-point buffer. However, two goals in the final two minutes - with Kozzie Pickett snapping truly with seconds remaining - meant the Blues were left to ponder what might have been in a five-point loss. 

MELBOURNE          1.2     4.6     7.11     11.13 (79)
CARLTON               1.3     3.4     7.8       10.14 (74)

GOALS
Carlton: Martin 3, McKay 3, Curnow, Durdin, Fisher, Silvagni

BEST
Carlton: Docherty, Martin, Young, McKay, Cripps, Cottrell