Carlton Media selects its top-five player stats from the Blues' 26-point loss to Richmond at the MCG on Sunday:
Patrick Cripps
Game-high 10 clearances
Patrick Cripps put on another clearance masterclass on Sunday, finishing with a game-high 10. Four of those came from five first possessions in the third term, with the midfield bull keeping the Blues in the contest. His 10 clearances bumps up his season average to 6.7, placing him equal seventh overall in the competition.
Marc Murphy
Game-high 26 pressure acts
While Marc Murphy wasn't as prolific in possession as usual, the Carlton captain led the way for pressure acts with a game-high 26. It's a stat the Blues in high regard, given their desire to be defined by pressure and effort.
Matthew Kreuzer
Game-high 15 hitouts to advantage
Matthew Kreuzer continues to stake his claim for All-Australian selection, winning yet another ruck battle. The 28-year-old ensured his teammates had best service in the stoppages, recording a game-high 15 hitouts to advantage to Toby Nankervis's eight. The big man also led Carlton for goals (two) in a complete performance.
Charlie Curnow
Equal game-high 3 contested marks
It was an assertive performance from Charlie Curnow, who oozed confidence in just his 18th game. The athletic forward imposed himself on the aerial battles to finish with a game-high three contested marks alongside Levi Casboult. One of those came inside the Blues' attacking 50 in the final term, with the resulting set-shot splitting the middle to keep Carlton in the game.
Liam Jones
Team-high 3 intercept marks
Carlton's intercept work has been first-class this season, but fell away against the Tigers. The Blues allowed Richmond to take 24 marks inside 50, and if not for the Tigers' inaccuracy, the contest could have been over earlier. Liam Jones was an exception, however, taking a team-high three intercept marks in an assured performance.
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