AFTER last week’s thrilling comeback against Essendon, Carlton fell back to earth with a shuddering thump with a 61-point loss against West Coast at Subiaco Oval.
David Wirrpanda and Ashley Hansen booted four goals each as West Coast and Chris Judd controlled the midfield in the Eagles’ 14.16 (100) to 4.15 (39) victory.
To compound the loss, Blues spearhead Brendan Fevola endured a dirty day, being held goalless by Darren Glass and reported for attempting to strike West Coast’s Tyson Stenglein in the second quarter.
Torrential rain during the first quarter turned the match into a traditional wet-weather slog and West Coast was able to hit more targets, more often than the Blues.
Despite the sodden conditions, West Coast set up the victory with five goals to two in the first term to set up a 24-point lead at the first change.
Judd and Kerr were particularly effective in the wet conditions in the opening stanza, while Matthew Lappin and Kade Simpson worked tirelessly to stem the flow across Carlton’s half-back line.
Wirrpanda was clearly the most effective forward on the ground, booting three of his goals in the first half when the ball was hardest to control.
West Coast employed a high-possession running game to control the second half, kicking eight goals to two.
Defenders Brett Jones and Shannon Hurn enjoyed plenty of the ball, with Hurn kicking a monster third-quarter goal from inside the centre square.
Carlton youngster Bryce Gibbs quieted Wirrpanda in the second half, but Hansen stepped up to fill the void.
Jordan Russell continued his midfield education with an extended stint on Judd that left him gasping for air.
For Carlton, Simpson, Lappin and Marc Murphy ran the game out strongly, but the Eagles were simply too polished.
To compound the loss, Blues spearhead Brendan Fevola endured a dirty day, held to just one goal by Darren Glass and reported for attempting to strike West Coast’s Tyson Stenglein in the second quarter.
WEST COAST 5.2 6.8 9.11 14.16 (100)
CARLTON 1.2 2.6 3.11 4.15 (39)
Goals: West Coast: D Wirrpanda 4 A Hansen 4 D Kerr 2 D Cox S Hurn S Armstrong B Waters. Carlton: M Lappin B Fisher H Scotland B Fevola.
Best: West Coast: D Wirrpanda C Judd D Kerr D Glass B Jones. Carlton: M Lappin H Scotland S O'hAilpin K Simpson A Bentick.
Injuries: Nil.
Reports: B Fevola (Carlton) reported by umpire S McBurney in the second quarter for striking T Stenglein (West Coast).
Umpires: S McBurney D Sully T Pannell.
Crowd: 41,016 at Subiaco Oval, Perth.