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Scott Lockhart reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval, Perth.

Chris Judd's return to Subiaco Oval against his former side may have been marked by resounding jeers, but Carlton were triumphant in an superb 37 point victory over West Coast on Friday night.  Judd, for the Blues,  was all class in his first match against the side he captained to a Premiership in 2006. He collected 24 possessions in a classic hard working performance, the likes of which Eagles fans became so accustomed to seeing from him over the six years he was at the club.

Carlton led by as much as 53 points in the third term, but that was drawn back to within two goals after a tough fight  from an Eagles side so crucially hindered by injuries and suspension.

With key players Daniel Kerr, Adam Hunter, Shannon Hurn and Mark Seaby missing from their lineup, the Eagles were always expected to struggle against a somewhat resurgent Carlton side.  The predictions ran true as early in the contest the Blues dominated possession and maintained the ball within their attacking zone. Early goals from Marc Murphy and Brendan Fevola gave Carlton a handy early lead as West Coast continually let themselves down by poor disposals and an inability to find a target.

Carlton squandered several easy opportunities up forward as West Coast rebounded to score quick successive goals of their own through Will Schofield and Steven Armstrong to bring the margin back within a goal. The Eagles avenue to goal continued to be hampered by a lack of a clear target up forward as their momentum was time after time broken along the half forward line, enabling Carlton to rebound into their own attacking 50 meter arc.

Carlton came out aggressively in the second term and despite giving away a free kick before the siren, their physical intimidation appeared to off put the Eagles. The first goal of the quarter came off the boot of Cameron Cloke against the run of play,  as a lack of an efficient forward line hampered the Eagles chances of putting themselves ahead in the contest. Further goals to Brendan Fevloa, including one from a fifty meter penalty, put Carlton in a strong position, leading by almost four goals.

The Eagles' inability to make the most of their opportunities -- compared to Carlton's converting on every opportunity --  was the real different in a contest that looked set to blow out as the Blues pressed forward in succession through impressive center work and fantastic forward line pressure. Brendan Fevola kicked his fourth goal of the half to extend the lead out to seven before half time. Carlton booted eight goals to none in the second quarter to lead by 48 at the main break

Carlton put the game beyond a doubt early in the third term with Eddie Betts capitalizing on yet another free kick to score his first goal of the game and extend his side's lead out to nine goals. Yet when all hope seemed lost, the Eagles seemingly presented hope from oblivion. Four goals in quick succession, including two to former Blue Josh Kennedy, reduced the lead to 30 points as the home side charged back into the contest. A goal to Bryce Gibbs appeared to stabilize the Blues, but it was the Eagles who continued to wrestle back the momentum and push forward. Goals to Chad Jones and Adam Selwood had the margin to within four. Yet the difference could have been significantly lower if not for the inability of the Eagles to make the most of their inside 50 attacking thrusts.

With the drive and momentum gained from their impressive third term effort, West Coast picked up and moved further forward in the final term.   Rosa and Lynch kicking the opening two goals brought the margin within 10 points. Yet when the pressure was on the Eagles forwards again faltered, with Lynch, Armstrong and Fletcher missing crucial -- and makeable -- shots on goal. Carlton made them pay for their errors after Kade Simpson goaled against the run of play to extend the lead once again beyond two goals.

Just when it appeared that West Coast were set to take the game right up to their opponents, Carlton, seemingly out of nowhere, found another gear to add another two goals to effectively seal the game and leave Eagles fans wondering what might have been if they had kicked straight.  And what might have been if their former beloved son had never left.

Next week West Coast travel to the Gold Coast for the first time to face North Melbourne on Saturday night, while Carlton will host the Brisbane Lions at the Telstra Dome.


Final Score:
WCE: 2.1 2.7 8.9 10.14 (74)
Carl: 2.4 10.7 12.8 17.9 (111)
Best
WCE: Cox, Glass, Kennedy, Masten
Carl: Fevola, Judd, Murphy, Betts
Goals
WCE: Kennedy Armstrong 2, Jones Lynch Rosa Schofield Embley Selwood 1.
Carl: Fevola 4, Gibbs Betts 2, Murphy Fisher Browne Cloke Wiggans Ellard Stevens 1.
Injuries: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Margetts, McLaren, Head
Crowd: 41,254

 

Article last changed on Sunday, May 04, 2008 - 10:34 PM EDT


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