Rd 16 Match Day Gallery
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CARLTON has squandered a golden opportunity to upset a top eight side, falling two points short of Sydney after being overrun in a thrilling match at Telstra Dome on Sunday.
The Blues led by as much as 28 points in the second term, but the determined Swans launched themselves back into the contest – despite a handful of injury concerns – to snatch the win 18.13 (121) to 18.11 (119).
Carlton responded to Sydney's four straight goals at the start of the fourth quarter with a quick pair of majors to get within seven points before Darren Jolly shanked a set shot into the post in red time.
Eddie Betts then streaked into goal and booted a six-pointer to narrow the gap to just two points with 19 seconds remaining.
Carlton charged again from the restart but got just ahead of the centre circle before Jude Bolton courageously threw himself into two Blues' players as the siren sounded.
The loss has come with an additional cost for Carlton with Andrew Walker suffering another suspected shoulder injury in what was his first game back from the initial complaint sustained in the pre-season.
Walker wrenched his "good" shoulder in the second half, with the Blues taking what they called a "precautionary measure" in benching the 22-year-old for the rest of the game. He will undergo scans this week.
It has also hurt the Blues' top eight chances, as well as seeing them drop consecutive matches for the first time since rounds one to three.
The Swans will have their own problems heading into round 17 with Leo Barry hurting a hamstring, and Michael O'Loughlin and Ryan O'Keefe ankles, although the latter did play out the game.
Nick Malceski was also a late withdrawal with a calf complaint.
Sydney kicked the first goal of the game through Darren Jolly, who started up forward, but Carlton was quick to respond and slotted the next four.
Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola was a different player from last weekend with a team-orientated display in the opening stanza, laying three tackles and appearing highly motivated.
He was injured late and remained on the bench for the restart while his left quad was treated, but returned to contribute a five-goal bag for the afternoon.
The Blues' dominance in the first, which saw Bryce Gibbs restrict dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes to just two tackles and no possessions, had them 22 points up at quarter-time.
The Swans booted the first goal of the second when Jude Bolton cleverly roved deep in attack, but the Blues promptly replied through Walker.
Fevola continued to emphasise his altered mindset when he resisted a tantrum following a disallowed goal that was deemed touched, and responded 10 minutes later to calmly nail his second.
Jarrad Waite then followed up with another, which put the difference out to a game-high 28 points.
However, the tenacious Swans kicked four out of the next six to remain right in the contest, and enter the second half trailing by 16 points.
Carlton kicked three straight after Sydney had hit the front to return to a 17-point lead, with Fevola gifting Adam Hartlett with a goal after handpassing deep in attack.
Again, the Swans finished the term well to kick three of the last four to trail by five at the final change.
Carlton was dealt a blow in the fourth with Walker off injured, while Sydney had its own problems with Barry watching from the bench.
In true Sydney fashion, the side kept chipping away at Carlton with the clock eventually beating the Blues – and all but slamming the door shut on their finals aspirations.
Carlton will now play the Western Bulldogs next Sunday at Telstra Dome.
GOALS
Sydney: McVeigh 4, O'Keefe 3, Bevan 2, Moore 2, Jolly 2, Goodes 2, J. Bolton, Playfair, Roberts-Thomson
BEST
INJURIES
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Stevic, Chamberlain, Kamolins
Official crowd: 38,401 at Telstra Dome
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the club.
