Who stood tallest for the Blues on a disappointing Saturday night at the MCG?
Carlton Media picks its top-five player stats from the 12-point loss to Collingwood:
Kade Simpson
Game-high 20 uncontested possessions
It was yet another commanding performance from Carlton’s little warrior. Playing across half-back in the customary long sleeves, Kade Simpson’s hard running saw him collect a game-high 20 uncontested possessions. On a scrappy night, the No.6’s elite disposal efficiency (89.3 per cent) also shone.
Ed Curnow
Game-high 12 tackles
When Blues coach Brendon Bolton talks about his side being defined by pressure and work rate, he can turn to Ed Curnow as an example. The dogged midfielder worked tirelessly in a negating role on Adam Treloar, restricting the Collingwood star to 23 disposals and zero marks. Curnow’s game-high 12 tackles represented a whopping 19 per cent of Carlton’s overall count.
Jack Silvagni
Team-high seven score involvements
It was a debut of quality over quantity for third-generation forward Jack Silvagni. On a night where goals were at a premium, the 18-year-old in the long sleeves recorded a team-high seven score involvements from his 15 disposals. Silvagni looked dangerous whenever he went near the footy, and left the Blues faithful craving more after a solid start to his career in the big league.
Dale Thomas
Team-high six clearances
While the result didn’t go Carlton’s way, the Blues won the clearance count (32-29) for the first time since their Round 10 win over Geelong. Dale Thomas played a leading role, with his six clearances eclipsing next best Patrick Cripps (five) as the versatile Blue spent more time in the midfield in the absence of injured captain Marc Murphy.
Sam Docherty
91.3 per cent disposal efficiency
Carlton supporters rest easily when the ball is in Sam Docherty’s hands. The reliable half-back recorded a 91.3 per cent disposal efficiency from his 23 touches – the highest of any player on the ground to have over 20 disposals.
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