CARLTON has fallen by 22 points to St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.

After dominating the first half without scoreboard return, the Blues were outgunned in the second half, conceding six of eight second-half goals. 

In his 100th game, Adam Cerra was Carlton's best with 39 disposals and a goal, but the Blues were left to rue wastefulness going forward on a day where they had control of the Sherrin from the outset. 

Quarter one 

It was back and forth from the outset on a quick deck at Marvel Stadium. After the ball lived in St Kilda's forward half for the opening six minutes, Carlton was able to reset, with an opportunistic goal from Jack Silvagni putting the Blues on the board. Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay also typically contributed majors under the Marvel Stadium roof, while Sam Walsh produced an electric start with 14 disposals in the first term alone. The play spent a fair bit of time in Carlton's defensive half, but the likes of Nic Newman and Lewis Young were able to hold firm: heading into the second quarter, the Blues held a narrow two-point lead. 

Quarter two 

It was another even quarter, but it was largely defined by Carlton not making the most of its opportunities. With seven lead changes to half time, it was goal for goal, but the Blues had the territory in the second term as opposed to the first. Jacob Weitering took the role on the dangerous Tim Membrey and performed strongly, totalling eight marks at the half-time break. However, some wasteful forward entries for the Blues were constantly, as was the inability to convert in front of goal when opportunities presented. A quick one-two from Curnow took his tally to three for the game, while Corey Durdin continued with his typically manic play, with a crumb and snap getting the Blues' noses back in front at the half.

Quarter three

It was all the Saints in the third term, as they kicked five goals to the Blues’ one. Carlton missed key opportunities in front of goal in the early going, with its opposition making the hosts pay come three-quarter time. Adam Cerra showed composure in his 100th game, slotting a clever goal to round out an impressive individual showing, but that was the best it got for the Blues in the third term. Patrick Cripps attempted to will his team back into the game at the contest with his physical pressure, but as the Saints started to get on top, the damage was inflicted on the scoreboard. Carlton was left to negotiate a 21-point deficit at the final change.

Quarter four 

Looking for fresh legs, Lochie O'Brien was subbed into the game for Ed Curnow at the final change. A free kick and true set shot from Jack Silvagni in the opening minute of the term gave the Blues a glimmer of hope, but a counter-attack goal from Mitch Owens moments later took some life out of the Blues. Blake Acres continued to run willingly in all areas of the ground, often mopping up on the last line to record a career-high 36 disposals, but the Blues were unable to generate the offensive ball movement required to get themselves back in the contest. Cerra and Walsh continued their prolific work around the clearances while Cripps finished with 22 contested possessions, but come the final siren, the Blues fell by 22 points to the ladder leaders. 

CARLTON      3.4     6.7     7.10       8.12 (60)
ST KILDA      3.2     6.3     11.7       12.10 (82)

GOALS
Carlton: C.Curnow 3, Silvagni 2, Cerra, Durdin, McKay

BESTS
Carlton: Cerra, Walsh, Cripps, McKay, Acres