After weeks of hard work on and off the training track, Carlton’s Zach Tuohy says it was “very satisfying” to beat Port Adelaide on the weekend.
The Blues defeated the Power by four points at the MCG in one of the upsets of the round.
“Obviously given some of the performances we’ve put out this year, to string four pretty decent quarters together and beat a quality team like Port Adelaide was very satisfying,” Tuohy told Crocmedia on Sunday.
Throughout the match Tuohy noted Carlton was constantly challenged by Port Adelaide but to the players' credit they fought it out until the final siren sounded.
“It was a nervy last three or four minutes and it looked as though they might get on top of us, but when players needed to stand up and lay big tackles … I think we did which was really pleasing.”
Tuohy praised Carlton's leaders including captain Marc Murphy and Kade Simpson, who have not only stood up on the field, but have also helped drive coach John Barker’s key messages to the players.
Another young leader at the Blues, who also played a match-winning role in Carlton’s win, was Patrick Cripps. In just his 12th AFL match, Cripps racked up 31 disposals and laid an impressive 12 tackles.
“He’s a star, I mean we knew he was a great player but he’s surprised me a lot with just how quickly he’s risen," Tuohy said.
“He’s as hard as they come and he’s just a tackling machine – he’s exactly the kind of player you want in and under the packs."
After the match a few of the players caught up with Chris Judd to celebrate the win, but Tuohy said he missed out, instead heading home to be with 17-month old son Finn.
“I was at home getting bloody pooped on – exactly what you want to do after a big win,” Tuohy laughed.