CARLTON trails Port Adelaide by 19 points at half-time at the MCG, 6.2 (38) to 8.9 (57).
It was a tennis-like half with six lead changes, but Port Adelaide came out in front at quarter-time.
A promising first quarter for the Blues wasn’t backed up in the second term, with the Power breaking away to a 19-point lead at half-time.
The man of the moment - 300-gamer Kade Simpson - won the toss, with the Blues kicking to the City End.
FIRST QUARTER
Conversion was no issue for the Blues, starting the match with five goals and no behinds, despite having six less inside 50s than the Power, who kicked three majors for the term.
A goal on the run from 50m came from the returning captain Marc Murphy, following an impressive play along the wing between the skipper, Liam Jones and Nick Graham. Unfortunately, Port responded soon after with its second major of the match thanks to Lindsay Thomas.
The visitors strengthened their lead to nine points with a goal from Justin Westhoff, but Blues spearhead Charlie Curnow brought us back to within a few points after receiving a handball from an under-pressure Murphy in front of goals.
The on-fire Curnow set a standard for the match with his third major for the quarter after receiving a free kick in front of the white posts soon after.
Vice-captain Patrick Cripps put his first major on the board, strengthening Carlton’s lead to eight points.
Simpson had nine disposals, one contested possession and a one-percenter, while the returning Nick Graham had a match-high disposals (10) in the first term.
The score at quarter-time was Carlton 5.0.30 to Port Adelaide 3.6.24.
SECOND QUARTER
We didn’t back up our first-term efforts, with Port owning the first five majors of the quarter.
Jarrod Pickett saved the Blues from a goalless term with a six-pointer from 50m out after the siren after being awarded a free kick.
The always reliable Cripps and Simpson lead the Blues for disposals at the main break (18).
A spoiled goal from Jarrod Garlett meant the forward has only one behind to his name, but he made up for it with 12 disposals, three tackles and four contested possessions in the first half.
Carlton trails Port Adelaide 6.2 (38) to 8.9 (57).
Something special will need to be said to the Carlton boys in the rooms.
