CARLTON has fallen by 17 points in a low-scoring slog at the MCG.

Both teams struggled to maintain hold of the Sherrin, but Melbourne had the better of the forward territory, breaking through despite the best efforts of a Carlton defence led by Jacob Weitering and an impressive Brodie Kemp.

Adam Cerra was instrumental in the middle of the ground, while Harry McKay kicked the first three Carlton goals of the game.

Quarter one 

It was a scrappy first quarter, as neither side was able to get flow in their ball movement. Melbourne had the first goal on the board, but it was quickly answered by Harry McKay, who had his teammates, family and fans on their feet. Brodie Kemp and Alex Cincotta provided some strong intercepts across half back, but Melbourne did well to pick through and find targets in their forward 50. The Demons got the better of the clearances, totalling 13 to the Blues’ nine, with all three of their goals scored through the source to kick out to a 13-point lead.

00:38

AFL R12 | McKay gets on the board early with solid snap

Harry McKay earns the Blues' first goal of the night with this confidence booster from the boundary.

Quarter two 

The game continued to be a scrap, with both Melbourne and Carlton displaying inefficient ball use. However, the Demons were able to make the better of their opportunities going forward, going at 48 per cent efficiency inside 50 compared to the Blues' 36 per cent. Carlton's fight couldn't be question as they ground away for every possession, with a second goal from McKay looking to generate some momentum. Captain Patrick Cripps did everything in his power in the second quarter, attempting to will his team forward at every contest by brute force. Matthew Kennedy was similarly busy in the first half, but the Blues' final kick inside 50 was lacking, heading into the main break 19 points down. Sub Paddy Dow was activated at the half-time break, as versatile tall Jack Silvagni was subbed out due to a hip injury.

Quarter three 

The quarter started off fast, as McKay slotted his third on the run from long range. Weitering’s defence - particularly in one-on-one contests - was crucial on the last line, while Mitch McGovern positioned himself well behind the ball. In the first half of the term, the Demons at one point had three quarters of the forward territory, but Carlton's back-line battled well. Carlton made the most of its limited opportunities in this quarter, with Blake Acres' classy goal quickly followed by Charlie Curnow's fast after quick transition, while Jesse Motlop got more involved pushing higher up the ground. Just as the Blues looked to press, Melbourne answered back immediately, extending the margin back to 17 points.

00:46

AFL R12 | All eyes on McKay after stunner keeps Blues alive

Harry McKay slams through this ripping effort from long range

Quarter four 

Carlton did its best to hold its own down back, but Melbourne's defensive structure held firm, seeing the Blues unable to move the ball past the centre square with much freedom. Weitering and Kemp continued their strong intercept marking, while Zac Fisher slotted the first of the term to give his team a sniff. However, as had been the trend of the game, a quick reply from the hosts - this time through Max Gawn - made life difficult for the Blues. McKay fought until the final siren, finishing with nine marks, but the Blues ultimately fell by 17 points at the MCG.

MELBOURNE      3.3     5.6     7.11       8.13 (61)
CARLTON            1.2     2.5     5.6        6.8 (44)

GOALS
Carlton: McKay 3, Acres, Curnow, Fisher