So when did Carlton and Sydney last meet on the MCG? Turn back the yellowing pages of the record book to qualifying-final day 1986, 31 years past, for your answer.
It was the afternoon of Sunday, September 7 that the Robert Walls-coached Carlton outfit confronted Tom Hafey’s Sydney outfit before more than 66,000 spectators on the paddock that grew.
Walls and his match committee were forced into making two late changes to the Carlton 20, with Peter Rohde and the captain Mark Maclure, the latter nearing the end of a grand on-field career, replacing Tom Alvin and Peter Motley.
The match opened in bright fashion under blue skies, with both teams posting 5.1 for the opening term. A Blues blitzkrieg then ensued, with a 7.6 to 2.5 second quarter effectively putting paid to the contest.
In the end, the good guys advanced to the semi-final with a 16-point victory, 18.12 (120) to 15.14 (104) – in what doubled as Carlton’s first finals win since the big one in ’82.
Justin Madden flies for a mark in the 1986 qualifying final. (Photo: AFL Media)
Bruce Doull, as with Maclure then in his final season, stood Sydney’s Warwick Capper in that match, while Craig Bradley took on Sydney’s Greg Williams in midfield – and it’s fair to say 'Diesel' was more becoming in dark navy.
Williams’ old drinking buddy David Rhys-Jones and Bernie Evans also featured in Carlton’s triumph, while Barry Mitchell and the late Merv Neagle chased the leather for the bloods.
This was also Stephen Kernahan’s first final – and he duly booted five goals – with Ken Hunter an able ally up front with four.
For Carlton forward Warren Ralph, this was the Western Australian’s last hurrah.
The late Merv Neagle also represented Sydney, while David Glascott took his customary place on a wing for the Blues.
The Carlton Team, 1986 Qualifying Final
Backs: Harmes, Doull, Dean
Half-backs: Silvagni, Jon Dorotich, Des English
Centres: Peter Rohde, Wayne Johnston, David Rhys-Jones
Half-forwards: David Glascott, Stephen Kernahan, Paul Meldrum
Forwards: Ken Hunter (vc), Warren Ralph, Bernie Evans
Ruck: Justin Madden, Wayne Blackwell, Craig Bradley
Interchange: Shane Robertson, Mark Maclure (c)
Emergencies: Warren McKenzie, Fraser Murphy, Brad Shine
Coach: Robert Walls
