CARLTON trails GWS by 51 points at half-time in today’s clash at Etihad Stadium.
The visitors managed to hold down the Blues while showing strong attacking flair, outscoring Carlton 11.6 (72) to 4.3 (27).
A slick GWS outfit dominated inside 50s (35-18) and disposals (175-128).
Harry McKay has been the shining light for the Blues, booting three first-half goals.
FIRST QUARTER
It was a disappointing term for the Blues, who trailed by 27 points at quarter-time.
The Giants came out of the blocks firing, putting the first three goals of the game on the board via Zac Langdon, Harry Himmelberg and Adam Kennedy.
Despite taking spectacular marks, Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow’s set-shots for goals were both missed opportunities early on.
A big mark by Caleb Marchbank in front of the Giants’ goals sent the ball back towards the Blues’ attacking 50. McKay then had the response for Carlton with a few minutes to go in the term, dribbling through a six-pointer. Unfortunately, Adam Tomlinson matched the effort moments later with another major for GWS.
Another late goal for the enemies deepened the trailing margin to 27 points by the first change.
GWS won the battle for inside 50s with 21 to Carlton’s nine.
Matthew Wright produced a commendable early effort with team-high disposals (seven), while Patrick Cripps put on the pressure with four tackles in the first quarter.
SECOND QUARTER
The Giants came out rearing again, with the first major via Stephen Coniglio.
They deepened their winning margin in the second term, scoring seven majors to Carlton’s three.
A gallant mark by the evergreen Kade Simpson sent the ball the right way. McKay was again at the Blues’ rescue with his second major for the match.
Seemingly gaining confidence with every touch, McKay put his and Carlton’s third through from 50m out.
A free-kick was given away by Marchbank attempting to mark from behind two Giants, which sent the ball back towards their attacking 50. They made the most of the opportunity and put through their seventh major thanks to Jacob Hopper.
Charlie Curnow put his marking prowess on show, with a towering grab from 45m out. He followed through with a long-shot for goal to bring the Blues back within 22 points.
Sam Rowe’s one-handed mark was a gallant effort but one that GWS quickly quelled, winning the contest from his kick. Jeremy Cameron had the Giants’ eighth soon after.
The always reliable Cripps has team-high tackles (six), contested possessions (eight) and disposals (14) at the main break.
Captain Marc Murphy has registered three tackles, four marks and 90 percent disposal efficiency.
Here’s hoping the Blues can fight back for a competitive second half.
