CARLTON in September.

After overturning a 40-point deficit, the Blues secured a crucial victory, locking in a top-eight berth with a four-point win over the Suns.

Carlton was well and truly put through its paces as a determined Gold Coast came out firing, with the Blues conceding seven of the first eight goals.

However, led by improved endeavour and a virtuoso performance from Charlie Curnow (five goals), the Blues held on to record a ninth successive win.

Quarter one

It was a shaky start for the Blues, who didn’t register an inside 50 until the seven-minute mark of the term. The Suns slotted the first five goals of the game, leaving the Blues struggling to get their hands on the ball. Against his old side, Adam Saad was busy early with intercept marks as the ball lived in Gold Coast’s 50 (19-8 forward entries). When Carlton did manage to get the ball moving, Ollie Hollands and Zac Fisher were instrumental in impacting contests and running the Sherrin down the wing, but turnovers in the forward half restricted the Blues’ scoring opportunities. A goal finally came through 50-gamer Matt Cottrell in the final minute of the quarter, but an instant reply from the Gold Coast left Carlton trailing by 33 points at the first change.

Quarter two

It was looking like more of the same as the second term kicked off, with the Suns’ David Swallow slotting the first goal from a Blues’ turnover. Charlie Curnow secured a much-needed goal for his side - after a powerful running effort from Cottrell - which gave Carlton a surge of momentum. As Gold Coast attempted to keep things going forward, Nic Newman’s repeat defensive efforts were incredibly impactful, as well as the work of Jacob Weitering - against former teammate Levi Casboult - on the last line of defence. Curnow was busy from there, kicking three consecutive goals and also setting up one for Matt Owies for the third consecutive weeks. The Blues finished the term with five marks inside 50 - a stat which was sitting at zero at quarter time - that allowed them to get a score on the board. Back on the Gold Coast, a classy goal from Jack Martin made it six unanswered goals for Carlton, as the Blues reduced the deficit to just two points at the main break.

Quarter three

It was a significantly quieter quarter, with both sides making calculated moves with the ball and trying to pick through traffic. An early goal from Jesse Motlop kicked the term off, but there wouldn’t be another from either side until the 10-minute mark. Weitering started to take some clean intercepts and Newman’s aggressive tackling kept the Blues in possession. Carlton spent more time in its forward 50, but was unable to capitalise with seven behinds. The Blues did well to cut things off and lock the play inside their forward half, taking seven intercept marks for the term. However, after having all the territory, a late goal from Swallow saw Gold Coast take a one-point lead into the final quarter. 

Quarter four

The term started with Ed Curnow being subbed in for David Cuningham, as the Blues looked for some additional physicality through the middle. Gold Coast came into the term energised, slotting the first two goals to put Carlton on the back foot. A quick major from Motlop swung momentum back, before Martin’s strong mark and finish edged Carlton closer. Another Curnow contested mark resulted in a goal, and his work didn’t stop there, setting up a major the returning Harry McKay to give the Blues the lead. Matthew Owies extended the gap but a Brandon Ellis goal made for some nervy final moments, with Weitering continuing to lead the way in defence. However, in the final stages, there was only going to be one man to decide the game, as Curnow moved behind the ball to take a towering mark and seal Carlton’s first finals berth in a decade.

Three things we’ve learned

1. It should be known by now, but Charlie Curnow can turn a game on its head like few others. Kicking four goals in the second term was the catalyst for the Blues’ reassertion into the contest, as the reigning Coleman Medallist finished the game with five goals, nine score involvements and one huge game-saving mark. 

2. Jacob Weitering continues to impress week on week. In what was a slow start for Carlton, Weitering was enormous in getting the game back on the team’s terms, intercepting consistently on the last line in a game full of momentum swings.

3. The difference a year makes. The last fortnight has shown the Blues’ ability to close out tight games, with fans well and truly on edge in wins over Melbourne and Gold Coast. With a finals spot now solidified, Carlton’s ability to impact finals - rather than simply make it - will be defined by its temperament in tight moments.

GOLD COAST        6.5     7.7     9.7       13.9 (87)
CARLTON               1.2     7.5     8.12       13.13 (91)

GOALS
Carlton: C.Curnow 5, Martin 2, Motlop 2, Owies 2, Cottrell, McKay

BEST
Carlton: C.Curnow, Weitering, Hewett, Newman, Fisher, Acres, Saad