Round 17 saw Carlton demonstrate the difference between the top and bottom teams as it annihilated the 16th placed Fitzroy at Waverley in front of a small crowd. A multi-prong forward line, despite the absence of Stephen Kernahan, saw the Blues lead at every change and dominate the game.

Brett Ratten would pull in a carrer-high phenomenal 44 disposals – 20 kicks and 24 handballs – as he and Anthony Koutoufides terrorised the Lions midfield. Ratten would not poll a vote, however, with Kouta taking the 3, Craig Bradley with 2 after a lazy 37 possessions and Earl Spalding taking the 1 with 26 disposals and 7 marks.

The Blues would earn a near record stat count with 414 possessions, demonstrating not only the strength of the 1995 Blues but the state of the Fitzroy list. The Lions were nearing the end of their life in Melbourne, and had a list that struggled through the season. A percentage of 60 at the time shows how tough the ‘Roys were finding it.

In the end, the Blues ran rings around their opposition and increased their lead over the second placed Cats by 2 games. Richmond, the early season form-setters, lost in Round 17 to the second last St Kilda, and were starting to fall off the pace.

Carlton 6.4 (40) 10.9 (69) 16.14 (110) 24.17 (161)
Fitzroy 0.3 (3) 4.6 (30) 4.9 (33) 9.10 (64)

Venue: Waverley Park

Date: Sunday July 30, 1995

Umpires: G.Dore, S.McInerney & G.Caulfield

Crowd: 15,567

Goalkickers: M.Clape 5, E.Spalding 4, B.Pearce 3, B.Heaver 3, J.Cook 2, D.Rice 2, A.Koutoufides 2, A.Christou 1, M.Hanna 1, B.Ratten 1

Best: B.Ratten, A.Koutoufides, C.Bradley, E.Spalding, M.Sexton, S.Silvagni, D.Rice

Reports: Nil

Injuries: Nil

Brownlow votes:
3 - Anthony Koutoufides (CARL)
2 - Craig Bradley (CARL)
1 - Earl Spalding (CARL)

Milestones:
This remains Carlton's greatest ever winning margin over Fitzroy.

Article with thanks to Blueseum.org