CARLTON has fallen by 22 points to Sydney at the SCG.

Despite the best efforts of Patrick Cripps, Sydney managed to grind the Blues down in the second half after a fast start by the visitors.

Quarter one: 

Sydney started the game strong, slotting a goal within the first minute of the game and setting the early tone with rampant pressure around the ball.  After not being allowed clean possession early, 50-gamer Sam Walsh stamped himself on the contest while Harry McKay got the Blues on the board from a set shot. The returning Jack Martin's presence in the side was welcome, while it was another Jack (Silvagni) who did further damage on the scoreboard. Strong forward pressure led to an impressive snap frorm Zac Williams, who had another bright opening across half back, while fellow recruit Lachie Fogarty had a strong impact at ground level. When Eddie Betts delivered a classic Eddie Betts goal from the boundary, the Blues found themselves 18 points in front, but the final stages of the term were dominated by the hosts: the Swans took a one-goal lead into the main break.

Quarter two: 

Two timely goals from Betts and Patrick Cripps was exactly the start that Carlton needed in the second term. Liam Stocker’s physicality was on display down back as the Blues were able to play the game in their half in the early going. Assisted by Tom De Koning, Marc Pittonet had the better of the hitouts in the ruck against Callum Sinclair, while fellow big man Levi Casboult was stationed down back against Hayden McLean. Repeat forward 50 entries gave the Blues plenty of chances to score but the Swans' defence, led by Harry Cunningham, played desperate footy. Ed Curnow and Will Setterfield delivered consistently into the forward line as McKay once again hit the scoreboard with multiple goals, but ultimately, the Blues didn’t make the most of their extended stint in their forward half. Jacob Weitering provided strong defence as Sydney started to get their own repeat 50 entries in the late stages of the quarter. Goals from Isaac Heeney and Lance Franklin tightened up the contest, putting Carlton just one-point up at the half-time break. 

Quarter three: 

Tough contested work from Ed Curnow got the ball rolling in the third-term, but a goal from Tom Papley was not ideal for Carlton’s momentum. Cripps’ effort through the middle was strong, having the most metres gained on the ground, as well as leading the team in tackles and disposals in the third quarter. Weitering’s intercept marking was vital in preventing Sydney scoring as they continued to press forward. Cripps’ second goal was much-needed for the Blues, as they started to trail behind on the scoreboard. Marc Murphy joined the game after being subbed out for Michael Gibbons, who came from the ground with hamstring tightness. Pittonet’s aerial work was useful around the ground, while his ruck partner De Koning gave the Blues the lead back: however, a late Heeney goal saw the Blues three points in arrears.

Quarter four: 

An opening goal from Josh Kennedy put the pressure on Carlton as they trailed by nine points. The Swans controlled the ball, leaving the Blues scrambling to defend and catch up to their fast-paced forward movement. Sydney got the better of Carlton in contested ball and the clearances, but Carlton’s attacking entries - which had served the well throughout the afternoon - didn’t put them in a scoring position. The Swans were dominating the possession, as the Blues struggled to get their hands on the ball. Cripps tried to will Carlton over the line, snapping a goal to bring his team within striking distance, but the Swans would ultimately seal the game with a 22-point margin.

Three things from the game

1. Late fadeouts cost the Blues in a big way on Sunday. After dominating the majority of the first and second terms, the visitors had only a one-point lead to show for it after red-time goals to the Swans. Their kicking efficiency and contested dominance dropped after half time, ultimately seeing the Swans overrun the Blues in the final term.

2. Patrick Cripps was back to his best. The co-captain did everything possible to will his team back into it, producing one of his best performances in the last two years.  Gathering 27 disposals, 18 contested possessions, six tackles and slotting three goals, Cripps had a key impact on the attacking and defensive side of the game.

3. You wouldn’t know it was Sam Walsh’s 50th game by looking at him. The third-year player performs like an experienced midfielder, providing class and efficiency with ball-in-hand, as well leadership and football smarts. Today in his 50th game, he totalled 33 disposals, 14 contested possessions and nine clearances in what was an otherwise tough result for the Blues.

Moment of the match

Eddie Betts in Sir Doug Nicholls Round. 

Just watch. 

Match summary:

SYDNEY               5.3       8.4      11.6      15.10 (100)
CARLTON            4.3       8.5      10.7      11.12 (78)

GOALS

Carlton: Cripps 3, McKay 3, Betts 2, De Koning, Silvagni, Williams

BEST

Carlton: Cripps, Walsh, Williams, Weitering