CARLTON has notched its first win of the season in an emphatic 44-victory over the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The match saw a raft of breakout performances from up and coming Blues, with Michael Gibbons among Carlton’s most impressive.
The mobile forward racked up a career-high 21 disposals in his fifth game with the Blues, topping off the performance with his first AFL goal.
“I’ve got the monkey off my back with that goal,” said Gibbons after the match.
“It’s good to contribute and get up the ground a bit.”
The Blues were able to combat the fourth-quarter fadeout that has hindered them this season, winning every quarter to finish with their most consistent performance yet.
“All year we’ve had a lapse here and there with one quarter,” he said.
“Today there was a massive focus on our four-quarter performance, so to not drop away was pleasing.”
Gibbons was one of many Blues to stand up against the Bulldogs, with Sam Petrevski-Seton finishing Carlton’s clear best with 35 disposals and a goal.
The work of “The Cowboy” – as his teammates dub him – did not go unnoticed on the field.
“His first half was amazing, and he kicked a nice goal in the second half to settle the ship,” he said.
“It’s much better when we have an even contribution.”
With their first win finally ticked off, the Blues will be hoping to carry the momentum of today’s victory into their Round 6 clash with Hawthorn.
“Enjoy the win today and get into it early next week,” he said of the upcoming match.
