Carlton
2
J Russell
3
M Murphy
3.0
4
B Gibbs
2.0
5
C Judd
1.0
5
B Fevola
5.1
6
K Simpson
0.1
8
M Kreuzer
0.1
9
C Johnson
10
R Hadley
1.0
12
M Robinson
18
P Bower
19
E Betts
3.2
29
H Scotland
30
J Waite
32
B Thornton
33
R Houlihan
1.0
34
S Wiggins
38
J Garlett
0.1
39
S Jacobs
40
M Jamison
45
A Joseph
47
C Cloke
2.0
Preview: Carlton v Brisbane
VENUE & TIME: Etihad Stadium, Saturday 4 April, 7.10pm (AEDT)
HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 34, Carlton 20, Brisbane Lions 14
LAST TIME: Carlton 18.7 (115) def Brisbane Lions 16.13 (109), Round 21 2008 at the Gabba
WALKING WOUNDED: It will be a tough selection meeting for the Carlton brains trust, who will need to squeeze out two players to fit in Shaun Grigg and Andrew Walker. Grigg missed Round 1 due to a hamstring injury and will play if he passes a fitness test this week, and Walker is a certainty to return after impressing at VFL level. Nick Stevens (suspension) and Andrew Carrazzo (arm) will come back in the next few weeks. The Lions will welcome back ball magnet Simon Black, who missed the first round with a broken hand. Jared Brennan (quadriceps) will again be sidelined.
FORM: The Blues were ultra impressive last week, reducing Richmond to a rabble. It followed an encouraging pre-season campaign which netted a NAB Cup semi-final. The Lions overcame a slow start to overcome West Coast at the Gabba but must hit the road to face a red-hot team this week.
WHO'S HOT: Jarrad Waite inflicted a massive blow to the Tigers' psyche last week, booting three first-half goals while playing on Matthew Richardson. Waite towelled up Richardson in the midfield and when the Tigers superstar pushed forward. Boom recruit Daniel Rich made a celebrated debut last week. Secured with pick seven in last year's draft, Rich showed poise beyond his 18 years against the Eagles. His skills and work rate drew high acclaim from coach Michael Voss.
WE THINK: As dominant as the Blues were last week, how they fare against the Lions - a club they have had trouble with in recent seasons - will paint a clearer picture as to how advanced Brett Ratten's team is. Young sides generally struggle for consistency and there is the fear of a mental letdown after the hype leading into the first round.
In Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw, the Lions have two big forwards capable of testing the Blues' perceived weaknesses in defence. But, as they showed last week, if the Blues can maintain a high level of pressure further up the ground it will help mask defensive frailties. Blues fans were jumping for joy last week and the Lions are unlikely to be the side that brings them back to earth. Carlton by 28 points.
Q4 32:35 -
The final siren sounds on a high quality game of footy. Carlton has defeated the Brisbane Lions by 19 points.
Q4 31:45 -
Power goes to Bradshaw who marks well down low. Bradshaw's kick from a tight angle misses.
Q4 29:10 -
Carlton are content to run the clock down. Brisbane need to man up. What are they thinking?
Q4 28:00 -
Brown is having a dance with his opponent whilst Bradshaw marks and kicks his sixth goal. The margin is down to 20 points.
Q4 25:55 -
Carlton leads by 26 points with just under 5 minutes of play remaining.
Q4 25:40 -
Gibbs has played a blinder. He kicks long to Cloke who takes a good overhead mark. The former Magpie makes no mistake from 30 metres out and that could be the sealer.
Q4 24:15 -
Garlett with the chance to seal it for the Blues, but he misses. The Blues lead by 20.
Q4 21:50 -
Rischitelli finds Hooper in the 50 who marks. Hooper settles, goes through his routine and keeps the Lions in it. Good kick.
Q4 20:35 -
The Lions need a goal in the next minute or so. Otherwise this game is as good as over.
Q4 18:30 -
Carlton's lead is now 25 points. Are the Lions a spent force or do they have one more effort?
Q4 18:10 -
Robinson marks and plays on. He kicks into attack towards Fevola. The Fev doesn't mark it, but uses his body, throws it onto his boot and kicks his 5th goal!
Q4 16:30 -
Simpson receives the ball from Black, does a blind turn, runs into 50 and kicks to the square where FEVOLA MARKS! The Fev casually goes back and kicks the goal!
Q4 13:55 -
Eddie Betts can make it count. He runs into the pocket and from 45 he doesn't bend it back. Blues by 13.
Q4 13:20 -
This game is at a crucial point now. The margin is only 12 points in favour of the Blues. A goal either way will make a huge difference.
Q4 12:40 -
After a run of misses, Sherman has kicked two goals with his last two shots at goal. He ran through the middle and let go with a beauty from 50. Amazing what confidence can do.
Q4 10:10 -
Sherman runs the ball through the middle and kicks to Bradshaw who doesn't take it. Sherman follows it up, picks up the ball and snaps through the goal!
Q4 08:00 -
Fevola marks the ball in the pocket, but his shot bends too far and goes through for a behind. Carlton's lead is now an even four goals.
Q4 04:55 -
Adcock kicks long to Bradshaw who is held by Bower and receives the free. From 20 metres out Bradshaw kicks his fifth. Surely Ratten needs to make a change here.
Q4 03:20 -
Murphy kicks to Cloke who kicks it to Fevola. The Fev uses his body, gets the ball out the back and kicks a bouncing ball through for a goal.
Q4 01:55 -
The Blues run the ball from the kick in. Murphy sells the dummy crosses 50 and kicks his third goal. Suddenly the Blues fans find their voices.
Q4 01:10 -
The Lions win the first centre clearance and the ball ends up on Bradshaw's chest! He fails to make the most of it with his kick missing to the right.
Q4 00:01 -
The final quarter starts with the under fire Blues leading by 18 points.
Q3 31:30 -
The siren sounds for three quarter time and Carlton hang onto an 18 point lead at the final break after being ahead by as far as 48 points.
Q3 30:40 -
Sherman has the ball in the pocket and centres. It is a clash of the colours here as Brown and Black spoil each other in attempting to take the mark. Michael Voss may just become colour blind!
Q3 29:30 -
The Blues have it in attack. Kreuzer picks up the ball in slow motion and has a shot, but it bounces across the face and goes through for a behind. Carlton still lead by 18 points.
Q3 28:20 -
Carlton really need to steady the ship and kick a goal because they are under siege.
Q3 25:50 -
This is becoming a procession. Dalziell kicks to Brown who marks. Brown's kick from 49 metres just manages to squeeze in and the Lions have kicked 5 in a row.
Q3 24:05 -
Adcock chips a high kick to Bradshaw who again outmarks Paul Bower. Bradshaw squeezes his kick through for a goal and the Lions begin to believe. They only trail by 23 points.
Q3 21:30 -
McGrath handballs to Sherman, who runs through 50 and kicks a behind. They really needed a goal there.
Q3 20:25 -
Bradshaw takes a one handed mark after being held. From 20 metres out he kicks his third and the Lions are edging their way back into this contest.
Q3 18:35 -
Travis Johnstone takes the resulting free kick and makes it count by kicking a goal. Lions trail by 36 points.
Q3 17:20 -
Selwood cops a bump to the head and appears to be out. He is assisted off the field in the hands of the trainers.
Q3 15:45 -
The Lions win the centre clearance. Leuenberger handballs it to McGrath who runs into the 50 and kicks the goal. The Lions need a run of goals to get back into this.
Q3 14:45 -
Simpson with a terrific kick finds Gibbs in space, only 30 metres out. He runs into an open goal and kicks his second. Carlton leads by 48 points.
Q3 12:38 -
Carlton's pressure they are applying on the Lions is enormous. The Lions are under the pump every time they have the ball.
Q3 10:40 -
Sherman marks it on the 50 and goes for goal. Waite punches it through for a behind to save the day for the Blues. Or should that be save the night?
Q3 09:35 -
The Blues lead by 43 points and are looking the goods tonight.
Q3 07:20 -
Kreuzer marks in defence, plays on and breaks the tackle. He kicks long to Cloke who marks and runs. He lines up from 48 metres, but his kick is off hands and through for a behind.
Q3 04:55 -
Betts has the mark and he also has a very difficult shot at goal from the boundary. He makes it look easy! That is his third goal tonight!
Q3 03:10 -
The Blues are under pressure early in the second half. The Lions will need to make the most of their opportunities because the Carlton will make them pay if they don't.
Q3 01:15 -
Rischitelli gets it through the middle and kicks to the goal square where Bradshaw marks. He kicks the goal and the Lions get one back.
Q3 00:01 -
The third quarter is now underway.
Q2 30:25 -
That's half-time and Carlton kicked 8.3 to 1.3 in the second quarter to lead by 41 points at the main break.
Q2 28:30 -
Tonight's performance may go a long way towards announcing Carlton as a contender. They are making Brisbane look second rate.
Q2 26:10 -
Gibbs finds Garlett who handballs to Murphy. He wrong foots his opponent and kicks his second goal! The Lions are on life support!
Q2 23:00 -
Richard Hadley reminisces about his time with the Lions. He turns to an old mate and asks to see him kick a goal! The Blues are on fire and they lead by 36 points.
Q2 21:30 -
Houlihan has had a paddock to run into all night. This time he tries to build on his paddock by kicking a goal! That was his 100th AFL goal.
Q2 20:10 -
The Blues are smashing them here. If it wasn't for some desperate defending for the Lions with two rushed behinds, then they would be in all sorts of trouble.
Q2 18:00 -
Brisbane need to be careful here otherwise the game will get away from them. Cloke marks 40 metres out, he goes back and kicks a helicopter punt through for a goal.
Q2 16:10 -
Carlton have enjoyed this second quarter as they have built a 16 point lead.
Q2 14:55 -
Eddie Betts has a trademark and the Lions need to know this. Never let this man be goalside otherwise he will punish you. That is exactly what he does here with his second goal.
Q2 12:30 -
Mitch Clark receives the free for being held. He plays on but misses with his shot. He looks to have hurt himself in the process and immediately goes to the bench.
Q2 10:30 -
From the centre clearance Hadley gets it out to Judd waiting on the edge of the centre square. He runs into the 50 and bangs it home!
Q2 08:55 -
Brown and Bradshaw combine well to the desired effect. Brown's pass found his partner in crime, who did the rest. Good team goal by the Lions.
Q2 06:30 -
Waite has been killing them with his penetrating runs through the middle.
Q2 04:40 -
Gibbs takes a mark and is held up. The umpire gives him 50! This takes him to the goal square where he kicks the easiest of goals.
Q2 03:30 -
Waite goes to Scotland whose long kick is off hands and through for another behind.
Q2 01:45 -
Waite runs and kicks long to Fevola who marks in the pocket. He bends the kick back beautifully to kick his second goal.
Q2 00:01 -
The umpire bounces the ball to start the second quarter.
Q1 28:40 -
The siren sounds for quarter time with the Brisbane Lions leading Carlton by one point.
Q1 25:40 -
The ball is kicked over Fevola's head. Kreuzer does the roving and handballs to Murphy who bounces the kick through for a goal.
Q1 23:10 -
After a hot start in terms of scoring, both teams have knuckled down with their defence to create a tighter contest.
Q1 20:55 -
Brown has the free for being held. From outside 50 he looks for his partner in crime in Bradshaw, but he is outnumbered and the ball goes off hands for a behind.
Q1 20:00 -
Black is back with a bang. He already has had 8 possessions in the first quarter.
Q1 19:00 -
Robinson runs through half forward with the arrogance of a veteran. He then kicks to Wiggins running with the flight of the ball, but he wasn't able to bring it down and the Lions clear.
Q1 16:50 -
The Lions are looking good in this first quarter. Bradshaw has the ball outside 50 and passes to Rischitelli who marks 30 metres out. The shot at goal disappoints and a behind is recorded.
Q1 14:55 -
A dangerous mix is Jonathan Brown and space. If the two mix then the opposition are in trouble. Brown marks and from the 50 he kicks his second goal. Lions in front by 4 points.
Q1 12:25 -
Fevola handballs to Betts running past. He normally swallows these, but perhaps he just wasn't hungry! He misses to the left.
Q1 10:45 -
Kade Simpson takes a spectacular mark only 40 metres out directly in front. His kick starts left and stays left. Behind to Carlton.
Q1 09:30 -
The cool calm and collected Travis Johnstone runs through midfield and finds his skipper who outmarks Waite. Brown takes a couple of deep breaths, lets go and kicks the goal! Scores are level again.
Q1 07:15 -
From the boundary throw in Judd finds Betts with the look away handball and Eddie does the rest. GOAL!
Q1 05:15 -
Jonathan Brown twists and turns to wrong foot Waite. He then centres to find Hooper who marks. The set shot by Hooper from 50 is perfect. Straight through the middle and scores are level.
Q1 02:00 -
Fevola with a brilliant tackle in defence is rewarded with the free. From 55 metres out, it sails straight over the goal umpire's hat! Good kick!
Q1 01:25 -
The Blues will be looking to carry on their form from last week where they gave the Tigers absolutely no chance.
Q1 00:01 -
We are off and underway at Etihad Stadium.
The Barracking Box
Preview: Carlton v Brisbane
VENUE & TIME: Etihad Stadium, Saturday 4 April, 7.10pm (AEDT)
HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 34, Carlton 20, Brisbane Lions 14
LAST TIME: Carlton 18.7 (115) def Brisbane Lions 16.13 (109), Round 21 2008 at the Gabba
WALKING WOUNDED: It will be a tough selection meeting for the Carlton brains trust, who will need to squeeze out two players to fit in Shaun Grigg and Andrew Walker. Grigg missed Round 1 due to a hamstring injury and will play if he passes a fitness test this week, and Walker is a certainty to return after impressing at VFL level. Nick Stevens (suspension) and Andrew Carrazzo (arm) will come back in the next few weeks. The Lions will welcome back ball magnet Simon Black, who missed the first round with a broken hand. Jared Brennan (quadriceps) will again be sidelined.
FORM: The Blues were ultra impressive last week, reducing Richmond to a rabble. It followed an encouraging pre-season campaign which netted a NAB Cup semi-final. The Lions overcame a slow start to overcome West Coast at the Gabba but must hit the road to face a red-hot team this week.
WHO'S HOT: Jarrad Waite inflicted a massive blow to the Tigers' psyche last week, booting three first-half goals while playing on Matthew Richardson. Waite towelled up Richardson in the midfield and when the Tigers superstar pushed forward. Boom recruit Daniel Rich made a celebrated debut last week. Secured with pick seven in last year's draft, Rich showed poise beyond his 18 years against the Eagles. His skills and work rate drew high acclaim from coach Michael Voss.
WE THINK: As dominant as the Blues were last week, how they fare against the Lions - a club they have had trouble with in recent seasons - will paint a clearer picture as to how advanced Brett Ratten's team is. Young sides generally struggle for consistency and there is the fear of a mental letdown after the hype leading into the first round.
In Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw, the Lions have two big forwards capable of testing the Blues' perceived weaknesses in defence. But, as they showed last week, if the Blues can maintain a high level of pressure further up the ground it will help mask defensive frailties. Blues fans were jumping for joy last week and the Lions are unlikely to be the side that brings them back to earth. Carlton by 28 points.
Q4 32:35 -
The final siren sounds on a high quality game of footy. Carlton has defeated the Brisbane Lions by 19 points.
Q4 31:45 -
Power goes to Bradshaw who marks well down low. Bradshaw's kick from a tight angle misses.
Q4 29:10 -
Carlton are content to run the clock down. Brisbane need to man up. What are they thinking?
Q4 28:00 -
Brown is having a dance with his opponent whilst Bradshaw marks and kicks his sixth goal. The margin is down to 20 points.
Q4 25:55 -
Carlton leads by 26 points with just under 5 minutes of play remaining.
Q4 25:40 -
Gibbs has played a blinder. He kicks long to Cloke who takes a good overhead mark. The former Magpie makes no mistake from 30 metres out and that could be the sealer.
Q4 24:15 -
Garlett with the chance to seal it for the Blues, but he misses. The Blues lead by 20.
Q4 21:50 -
Rischitelli finds Hooper in the 50 who marks. Hooper settles, goes through his routine and keeps the Lions in it. Good kick.
Q4 20:35 -
The Lions need a goal in the next minute or so. Otherwise this game is as good as over.
Q4 18:30 -
Carlton's lead is now 25 points. Are the Lions a spent force or do they have one more effort?
Q4 18:10 -
Robinson marks and plays on. He kicks into attack towards Fevola. The Fev doesn't mark it, but uses his body, throws it onto his boot and kicks his 5th goal!
Q4 16:30 -
Simpson receives the ball from Black, does a blind turn, runs into 50 and kicks to the square where FEVOLA MARKS! The Fev casually goes back and kicks the goal!
Q4 13:55 -
Eddie Betts can make it count. He runs into the pocket and from 45 he doesn't bend it back. Blues by 13.
Q4 13:20 -
This game is at a crucial point now. The margin is only 12 points in favour of the Blues. A goal either way will make a huge difference.
Q4 12:40 -
After a run of misses, Sherman has kicked two goals with his last two shots at goal. He ran through the middle and let go with a beauty from 50. Amazing what confidence can do.
Q4 10:10 -
Sherman runs the ball through the middle and kicks to Bradshaw who doesn't take it. Sherman follows it up, picks up the ball and snaps through the goal!
Q4 08:00 -
Fevola marks the ball in the pocket, but his shot bends too far and goes through for a behind. Carlton's lead is now an even four goals.
Q4 04:55 -
Adcock kicks long to Bradshaw who is held by Bower and receives the free. From 20 metres out Bradshaw kicks his fifth. Surely Ratten needs to make a change here.
Q4 03:20 -
Murphy kicks to Cloke who kicks it to Fevola. The Fev uses his body, gets the ball out the back and kicks a bouncing ball through for a goal.
Q4 01:55 -
The Blues run the ball from the kick in. Murphy sells the dummy crosses 50 and kicks his third goal. Suddenly the Blues fans find their voices.
Q4 01:10 -
The Lions win the first centre clearance and the ball ends up on Bradshaw's chest! He fails to make the most of it with his kick missing to the right.
Q4 00:01 -
The final quarter starts with the under fire Blues leading by 18 points.
Q3 31:30 -
The siren sounds for three quarter time and Carlton hang onto an 18 point lead at the final break after being ahead by as far as 48 points.
Q3 30:40 -
Sherman has the ball in the pocket and centres. It is a clash of the colours here as Brown and Black spoil each other in attempting to take the mark. Michael Voss may just become colour blind!
Q3 29:30 -
The Blues have it in attack. Kreuzer picks up the ball in slow motion and has a shot, but it bounces across the face and goes through for a behind. Carlton still lead by 18 points.
Q3 28:20 -
Carlton really need to steady the ship and kick a goal because they are under siege.
Q3 25:50 -
This is becoming a procession. Dalziell kicks to Brown who marks. Brown's kick from 49 metres just manages to squeeze in and the Lions have kicked 5 in a row.
Q3 24:05 -
Adcock chips a high kick to Bradshaw who again outmarks Paul Bower. Bradshaw squeezes his kick through for a goal and the Lions begin to believe. They only trail by 23 points.
Q3 21:30 -
McGrath handballs to Sherman, who runs through 50 and kicks a behind. They really needed a goal there.
Q3 20:25 -
Bradshaw takes a one handed mark after being held. From 20 metres out he kicks his third and the Lions are edging their way back into this contest.
Q3 18:35 -
Travis Johnstone takes the resulting free kick and makes it count by kicking a goal. Lions trail by 36 points.
Q3 17:20 -
Selwood cops a bump to the head and appears to be out. He is assisted off the field in the hands of the trainers.
Q3 15:45 -
The Lions win the centre clearance. Leuenberger handballs it to McGrath who runs into the 50 and kicks the goal. The Lions need a run of goals to get back into this.
Q3 14:45 -
Simpson with a terrific kick finds Gibbs in space, only 30 metres out. He runs into an open goal and kicks his second. Carlton leads by 48 points.
Q3 12:38 -
Carlton's pressure they are applying on the Lions is enormous. The Lions are under the pump every time they have the ball.
Q3 10:40 -
Sherman marks it on the 50 and goes for goal. Waite punches it through for a behind to save the day for the Blues. Or should that be save the night?
Q3 09:35 -
The Blues lead by 43 points and are looking the goods tonight.
Q3 07:20 -
Kreuzer marks in defence, plays on and breaks the tackle. He kicks long to Cloke who marks and runs. He lines up from 48 metres, but his kick is off hands and through for a behind.
Q3 04:55 -
Betts has the mark and he also has a very difficult shot at goal from the boundary. He makes it look easy! That is his third goal tonight!
Q3 03:10 -
The Blues are under pressure early in the second half. The Lions will need to make the most of their opportunities because the Carlton will make them pay if they don't.
Q3 01:15 -
Rischitelli gets it through the middle and kicks to the goal square where Bradshaw marks. He kicks the goal and the Lions get one back.
Q3 00:01 -
The third quarter is now underway.
Q2 30:25 -
That's half-time and Carlton kicked 8.3 to 1.3 in the second quarter to lead by 41 points at the main break.
Q2 28:30 -
Tonight's performance may go a long way towards announcing Carlton as a contender. They are making Brisbane look second rate.
Q2 26:10 -
Gibbs finds Garlett who handballs to Murphy. He wrong foots his opponent and kicks his second goal! The Lions are on life support!
Q2 23:00 -
Richard Hadley reminisces about his time with the Lions. He turns to an old mate and asks to see him kick a goal! The Blues are on fire and they lead by 36 points.
Q2 21:30 -
Houlihan has had a paddock to run into all night. This time he tries to build on his paddock by kicking a goal! That was his 100th AFL goal.
Q2 20:10 -
The Blues are smashing them here. If it wasn't for some desperate defending for the Lions with two rushed behinds, then they would be in all sorts of trouble.
Q2 18:00 -
Brisbane need to be careful here otherwise the game will get away from them. Cloke marks 40 metres out, he goes back and kicks a helicopter punt through for a goal.
Q2 16:10 -
Carlton have enjoyed this second quarter as they have built a 16 point lead.
Q2 14:55 -
Eddie Betts has a trademark and the Lions need to know this. Never let this man be goalside otherwise he will punish you. That is exactly what he does here with his second goal.
Q2 12:30 -
Mitch Clark receives the free for being held. He plays on but misses with his shot. He looks to have hurt himself in the process and immediately goes to the bench.
Q2 10:30 -
From the centre clearance Hadley gets it out to Judd waiting on the edge of the centre square. He runs into the 50 and bangs it home!
Q2 08:55 -
Brown and Bradshaw combine well to the desired effect. Brown's pass found his partner in crime, who did the rest. Good team goal by the Lions.
Q2 06:30 -
Waite has been killing them with his penetrating runs through the middle.
Q2 04:40 -
Gibbs takes a mark and is held up. The umpire gives him 50! This takes him to the goal square where he kicks the easiest of goals.
Q2 03:30 -
Waite goes to Scotland whose long kick is off hands and through for another behind.
Q2 01:45 -
Waite runs and kicks long to Fevola who marks in the pocket. He bends the kick back beautifully to kick his second goal.
Q2 00:01 -
The umpire bounces the ball to start the second quarter.
Q1 28:40 -
The siren sounds for quarter time with the Brisbane Lions leading Carlton by one point.
Q1 25:40 -
The ball is kicked over Fevola's head. Kreuzer does the roving and handballs to Murphy who bounces the kick through for a goal.
Q1 23:10 -
After a hot start in terms of scoring, both teams have knuckled down with their defence to create a tighter contest.
Q1 20:55 -
Brown has the free for being held. From outside 50 he looks for his partner in crime in Bradshaw, but he is outnumbered and the ball goes off hands for a behind.
Q1 20:00 -
Black is back with a bang. He already has had 8 possessions in the first quarter.
Q1 19:00 -
Robinson runs through half forward with the arrogance of a veteran. He then kicks to Wiggins running with the flight of the ball, but he wasn't able to bring it down and the Lions clear.
Q1 16:50 -
The Lions are looking good in this first quarter. Bradshaw has the ball outside 50 and passes to Rischitelli who marks 30 metres out. The shot at goal disappoints and a behind is recorded.
Q1 14:55 -
A dangerous mix is Jonathan Brown and space. If the two mix then the opposition are in trouble. Brown marks and from the 50 he kicks his second goal. Lions in front by 4 points.
Q1 12:25 -
Fevola handballs to Betts running past. He normally swallows these, but perhaps he just wasn't hungry! He misses to the left.
Q1 10:45 -
Kade Simpson takes a spectacular mark only 40 metres out directly in front. His kick starts left and stays left. Behind to Carlton.
Q1 09:30 -
The cool calm and collected Travis Johnstone runs through midfield and finds his skipper who outmarks Waite. Brown takes a couple of deep breaths, lets go and kicks the goal! Scores are level again.
Q1 07:15 -
From the boundary throw in Judd finds Betts with the look away handball and Eddie does the rest. GOAL!
Q1 05:15 -
Jonathan Brown twists and turns to wrong foot Waite. He then centres to find Hooper who marks. The set shot by Hooper from 50 is perfect. Straight through the middle and scores are level.
Q1 02:00 -
Fevola with a brilliant tackle in defence is rewarded with the free. From 55 metres out, it sails straight over the goal umpire's hat! Good kick!
Q1 01:25 -
The Blues will be looking to carry on their form from last week where they gave the Tigers absolutely no chance.
Q1 00:01 -
We are off and underway at Etihad Stadium.
The Barracking Box
237
Kicks
166
143
Marks
70
162
Handballs
182
59
Tackles
46
17
Frees
21
34
Hit Outs
36
3.2
Q1
3.3
11.5
Q2
4.6
13.8
Q3
10.8
18.11
Q4
15.10
Q4 32:35 -
The final siren sounds on a high quality game of footy. Carlton has defeated the Brisbane Lions by 19 points.
Q4 31:45 -
Power goes to Bradshaw who marks well down low. Bradshaw's kick from a tight angle misses.
Q4 29:10 -
Carlton are content to run the clock down. Brisbane need to man up. What are they thinking?
Q4 28:00 -
Brown is having a dance with his opponent whilst Bradshaw marks and kicks his sixth goal. The margin is down to 20 points.
Q4 25:55 -
Carlton leads by 26 points with just under 5 minutes of play remaining.
Q4 25:40 -
Gibbs has played a blinder. He kicks long to Cloke who takes a good overhead mark. The former Magpie makes no mistake from 30 metres out and that could be the sealer.
Q4 24:15 -
Garlett with the chance to seal it for the Blues, but he misses. The Blues lead by 20.
Q4 21:50 -
Rischitelli finds Hooper in the 50 who marks. Hooper settles, goes through his routine and keeps the Lions in it. Good kick.
Q4 20:35 -
The Lions need a goal in the next minute or so. Otherwise this game is as good as over.
Q4 18:30 -
Carlton's lead is now 25 points. Are the Lions a spent force or do they have one more effort?
Q4 18:10 -
Robinson marks and plays on. He kicks into attack towards Fevola. The Fev doesn't mark it, but uses his body, throws it onto his boot and kicks his 5th goal!
Q4 16:30 -
Simpson receives the ball from Black, does a blind turn, runs into 50 and kicks to the square where FEVOLA MARKS! The Fev casually goes back and kicks the goal!
Q4 13:55 -
Eddie Betts can make it count. He runs into the pocket and from 45 he doesn't bend it back. Blues by 13.
Q4 13:20 -
This game is at a crucial point now. The margin is only 12 points in favour of the Blues. A goal either way will make a huge difference.
Q4 12:40 -
After a run of misses, Sherman has kicked two goals with his last two shots at goal. He ran through the middle and let go with a beauty from 50. Amazing what confidence can do.
Q4 10:10 -
Sherman runs the ball through the middle and kicks to Bradshaw who doesn't take it. Sherman follows it up, picks up the ball and snaps through the goal!
Q4 08:00 -
Fevola marks the ball in the pocket, but his shot bends too far and goes through for a behind. Carlton's lead is now an even four goals.
Q4 04:55 -
Adcock kicks long to Bradshaw who is held by Bower and receives the free. From 20 metres out Bradshaw kicks his fifth. Surely Ratten needs to make a change here.
Q4 03:20 -
Murphy kicks to Cloke who kicks it to Fevola. The Fev uses his body, gets the ball out the back and kicks a bouncing ball through for a goal.
Q4 01:55 -
The Blues run the ball from the kick in. Murphy sells the dummy crosses 50 and kicks his third goal. Suddenly the Blues fans find their voices.
Q4 01:10 -
The Lions win the first centre clearance and the ball ends up on Bradshaw's chest! He fails to make the most of it with his kick missing to the right.
Q4 00:01 -
The final quarter starts with the under fire Blues leading by 18 points.
Q3 31:30 -
The siren sounds for three quarter time and Carlton hang onto an 18 point lead at the final break after being ahead by as far as 48 points.
Q3 30:40 -
Sherman has the ball in the pocket and centres. It is a clash of the colours here as Brown and Black spoil each other in attempting to take the mark. Michael Voss may just become colour blind!
Q3 29:30 -
The Blues have it in attack. Kreuzer picks up the ball in slow motion and has a shot, but it bounces across the face and goes through for a behind. Carlton still lead by 18 points.
Q3 28:20 -
Carlton really need to steady the ship and kick a goal because they are under siege.
Q3 25:50 -
This is becoming a procession. Dalziell kicks to Brown who marks. Brown's kick from 49 metres just manages to squeeze in and the Lions have kicked 5 in a row.
Q3 24:05 -
Adcock chips a high kick to Bradshaw who again outmarks Paul Bower. Bradshaw squeezes his kick through for a goal and the Lions begin to believe. They only trail by 23 points.
Q3 21:30 -
McGrath handballs to Sherman, who runs through 50 and kicks a behind. They really needed a goal there.
Q3 20:25 -
Bradshaw takes a one handed mark after being held. From 20 metres out he kicks his third and the Lions are edging their way back into this contest.
Q3 18:35 -
Travis Johnstone takes the resulting free kick and makes it count by kicking a goal. Lions trail by 36 points.
Q3 17:20 -
Selwood cops a bump to the head and appears to be out. He is assisted off the field in the hands of the trainers.
Q3 15:45 -
The Lions win the centre clearance. Leuenberger handballs it to McGrath who runs into the 50 and kicks the goal. The Lions need a run of goals to get back into this.
Q3 14:45 -
Simpson with a terrific kick finds Gibbs in space, only 30 metres out. He runs into an open goal and kicks his second. Carlton leads by 48 points.
Q3 12:38 -
Carlton's pressure they are applying on the Lions is enormous. The Lions are under the pump every time they have the ball.
Q3 10:40 -
Sherman marks it on the 50 and goes for goal. Waite punches it through for a behind to save the day for the Blues. Or should that be save the night?
Q3 09:35 -
The Blues lead by 43 points and are looking the goods tonight.
Q3 07:20 -
Kreuzer marks in defence, plays on and breaks the tackle. He kicks long to Cloke who marks and runs. He lines up from 48 metres, but his kick is off hands and through for a behind.
Q3 04:55 -
Betts has the mark and he also has a very difficult shot at goal from the boundary. He makes it look easy! That is his third goal tonight!
Q3 03:10 -
The Blues are under pressure early in the second half. The Lions will need to make the most of their opportunities because the Carlton will make them pay if they don't.
Q3 01:15 -
Rischitelli gets it through the middle and kicks to the goal square where Bradshaw marks. He kicks the goal and the Lions get one back.
Q3 00:01 -
The third quarter is now underway.
Q2 30:25 -
That's half-time and Carlton kicked 8.3 to 1.3 in the second quarter to lead by 41 points at the main break.
Q2 28:30 -
Tonight's performance may go a long way towards announcing Carlton as a contender. They are making Brisbane look second rate.
Q2 26:10 -
Gibbs finds Garlett who handballs to Murphy. He wrong foots his opponent and kicks his second goal! The Lions are on life support!
Q2 23:00 -
Richard Hadley reminisces about his time with the Lions. He turns to an old mate and asks to see him kick a goal! The Blues are on fire and they lead by 36 points.
Q2 21:30 -
Houlihan has had a paddock to run into all night. This time he tries to build on his paddock by kicking a goal! That was his 100th AFL goal.
Q2 20:10 -
The Blues are smashing them here. If it wasn't for some desperate defending for the Lions with two rushed behinds, then they would be in all sorts of trouble.
Q2 18:00 -
Brisbane need to be careful here otherwise the game will get away from them. Cloke marks 40 metres out, he goes back and kicks a helicopter punt through for a goal.
Q2 16:10 -
Carlton have enjoyed this second quarter as they have built a 16 point lead.
Q2 14:55 -
Eddie Betts has a trademark and the Lions need to know this. Never let this man be goalside otherwise he will punish you. That is exactly what he does here with his second goal.
Q2 12:30 -
Mitch Clark receives the free for being held. He plays on but misses with his shot. He looks to have hurt himself in the process and immediately goes to the bench.
Q2 10:30 -
From the centre clearance Hadley gets it out to Judd waiting on the edge of the centre square. He runs into the 50 and bangs it home!
Q2 08:55 -
Brown and Bradshaw combine well to the desired effect. Brown's pass found his partner in crime, who did the rest. Good team goal by the Lions.
Q2 06:30 -
Waite has been killing them with his penetrating runs through the middle.
Q2 04:40 -
Gibbs takes a mark and is held up. The umpire gives him 50! This takes him to the goal square where he kicks the easiest of goals.
Q2 03:30 -
Waite goes to Scotland whose long kick is off hands and through for another behind.
Q2 01:45 -
Waite runs and kicks long to Fevola who marks in the pocket. He bends the kick back beautifully to kick his second goal.
Q2 00:01 -
The umpire bounces the ball to start the second quarter.
Q1 28:40 -
The siren sounds for quarter time with the Brisbane Lions leading Carlton by one point.
Q1 25:40 -
The ball is kicked over Fevola's head. Kreuzer does the roving and handballs to Murphy who bounces the kick through for a goal.
Q1 23:10 -
After a hot start in terms of scoring, both teams have knuckled down with their defence to create a tighter contest.
Q1 20:55 -
Brown has the free for being held. From outside 50 he looks for his partner in crime in Bradshaw, but he is outnumbered and the ball goes off hands for a behind.
Q1 20:00 -
Black is back with a bang. He already has had 8 possessions in the first quarter.
Q1 19:00 -
Robinson runs through half forward with the arrogance of a veteran. He then kicks to Wiggins running with the flight of the ball, but he wasn't able to bring it down and the Lions clear.
Q1 16:50 -
The Lions are looking good in this first quarter. Bradshaw has the ball outside 50 and passes to Rischitelli who marks 30 metres out. The shot at goal disappoints and a behind is recorded.
Q1 14:55 -
A dangerous mix is Jonathan Brown and space. If the two mix then the opposition are in trouble. Brown marks and from the 50 he kicks his second goal. Lions in front by 4 points.
Q1 12:25 -
Fevola handballs to Betts running past. He normally swallows these, but perhaps he just wasn't hungry! He misses to the left.
Q1 10:45 -
Kade Simpson takes a spectacular mark only 40 metres out directly in front. His kick starts left and stays left. Behind to Carlton.
Q1 09:30 -
The cool calm and collected Travis Johnstone runs through midfield and finds his skipper who outmarks Waite. Brown takes a couple of deep breaths, lets go and kicks the goal! Scores are level again.
Q1 07:15 -
From the boundary throw in Judd finds Betts with the look away handball and Eddie does the rest. GOAL!
Q1 05:15 -
Jonathan Brown twists and turns to wrong foot Waite. He then centres to find Hooper who marks. The set shot by Hooper from 50 is perfect. Straight through the middle and scores are level.
Q1 02:00 -
Fevola with a brilliant tackle in defence is rewarded with the free. From 55 metres out, it sails straight over the goal umpire's hat! Good kick!
Q1 01:25 -
The Blues will be looking to carry on their form from last week where they gave the Tigers absolutely no chance.
Q1 00:01 -
We are off and underway at Etihad Stadium.
The Barracking Box
237
Kicks
166
143
Marks
70
162
Handballs
182
59
Tackles
46
17
Frees
21
34
Hit Outs
36
3.2
Q1
3.3
11.5
Q2
4.6
13.8
Q3
10.8
18.11
Q4
15.10
Blues hold off Lions
Carlton provided more evidence it was set for a return to the top eight this year after quelling a spirited comeback from Brisbane to win by 19 points at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
An electrifying burst of seven unanswered goals in the second quarter set the game up for the Blues, who withstood a flurry of goals from Brisbane either side of three-quarter time to prevail 18.11 (119) to 15.10 (100).
Brisbane's night ended on a sour note when captain Jonathan Brown was booked in the dying minutes for rough conduct on Marc Murphy.
Spearhead Brendan Fevola proved the hero for the Blues, kicking three final-quarter goals to guide his team home after the Lions crept within 12 points midway through the last term.
Although the Blues spurned the chance to post another thumping win, of particular comfort to their supporters will be their side's ability to answer when asked stern questions by the Lions.
Indeed, this was a game which the Blues won twice.
They were irresistible in the second quarter, crushing the Lions with their aggression and slick ball movement.
Chris Judd, to the surprise of no one, was excellent. If not setting up goals for his team-mates with incisive handballs in close, he was kicking them on the run.
Derided in the past by Blues fans for a reluctance to get his hands dirty, Ryan Houlihan again showed he has turned over a new leaf with some inspiring acts of courage.
One such instance saw him dive headlong for a groundball with a Lion coming equally ferociously the other way.
Just as brave was Richard Hadley, who appears to be on the verge of hitting the heights expected of him before being cruelled by serious injuries.
Hadley, Houlihan and Kade Simpson provided plenty of support to the Blues' A-graders in Judd, Bryce Gibbs and Marc Murphy.
Eddie Betts, who finished with three goals, was again lively up forward and his work rate at the feet of Fevola will be crucial to the Blues' aspirations in 2009.
But perhaps the best indication of the Blues' newfound maturity was the resilience showed by their maligned defence.
Missing Michael Jamison, who hurt his shoulder in the first half, the Blues' back six was able to prevent Daniel Bradshaw and Brown from tearing their heart out.
Bret Thornton was particularly useful, winning his duel with Brown - who kicked two of his three goals in the first term - and providing plenty of run from the back half.
The Lions were at their best in the third quarter when they started to get first use of the ball out of the middle.
Bradshaw finished with six goals, five of which came in the second half, and was too strong for Paul Bower.
He proved a reliable target for the Lions midfield, which was inspired by Luke Power and Josh Drummond.
Second-gamer Daniel Rich again played like a man rather than a teenager, backing up his excellent debut with another honourable effort against the Blues.
CARLTON: 3.2, 11.5, 13.8, 18.11 (119)
BRISBANE: 3.3, 4.6, 10.8, 15.10 (100)
GOALS: Carlton: Fevola 5, Murphy 3, Betts, 3, Gibbs 2, Cloke 2, Hadley, Houlihan, Judd
Brisbane: Bradshaw 6, Brown 3, Sherman 2, Hooper 2, Johnstone, McGrath
BEST: Carlton: Judd, Fevola, Hadley, Gibbs, Houlihan, Thornton
Brisbane: Bradshaw, Power, Drummond, Rich, Adcock, Black
INJURIES: Carlton: Jamison (shoulder)
Brisbane: Nil
REPORTS: Brown (Brisbane) by emergency umpire Pannell in the last quarter for rough conduct on Murphy (Carlton)
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Chamberlain, Keating
CROWD: 42,496 at Etihad Stadium
An electrifying burst of seven unanswered goals in the second quarter set the game up for the Blues, who withstood a flurry of goals from Brisbane either side of three-quarter time to prevail 18.11 (119) to 15.10 (100).
Brisbane's night ended on a sour note when captain Jonathan Brown was booked in the dying minutes for rough conduct on Marc Murphy.
Spearhead Brendan Fevola proved the hero for the Blues, kicking three final-quarter goals to guide his team home after the Lions crept within 12 points midway through the last term.
Although the Blues spurned the chance to post another thumping win, of particular comfort to their supporters will be their side's ability to answer when asked stern questions by the Lions.
Indeed, this was a game which the Blues won twice.
They were irresistible in the second quarter, crushing the Lions with their aggression and slick ball movement.
Chris Judd, to the surprise of no one, was excellent. If not setting up goals for his team-mates with incisive handballs in close, he was kicking them on the run.
Derided in the past by Blues fans for a reluctance to get his hands dirty, Ryan Houlihan again showed he has turned over a new leaf with some inspiring acts of courage.
One such instance saw him dive headlong for a groundball with a Lion coming equally ferociously the other way.
Just as brave was Richard Hadley, who appears to be on the verge of hitting the heights expected of him before being cruelled by serious injuries.
Hadley, Houlihan and Kade Simpson provided plenty of support to the Blues' A-graders in Judd, Bryce Gibbs and Marc Murphy.
Eddie Betts, who finished with three goals, was again lively up forward and his work rate at the feet of Fevola will be crucial to the Blues' aspirations in 2009.
But perhaps the best indication of the Blues' newfound maturity was the resilience showed by their maligned defence.
Missing Michael Jamison, who hurt his shoulder in the first half, the Blues' back six was able to prevent Daniel Bradshaw and Brown from tearing their heart out.
Bret Thornton was particularly useful, winning his duel with Brown - who kicked two of his three goals in the first term - and providing plenty of run from the back half.
The Lions were at their best in the third quarter when they started to get first use of the ball out of the middle.
Bradshaw finished with six goals, five of which came in the second half, and was too strong for Paul Bower.
He proved a reliable target for the Lions midfield, which was inspired by Luke Power and Josh Drummond.
Second-gamer Daniel Rich again played like a man rather than a teenager, backing up his excellent debut with another honourable effort against the Blues.
CARLTON: 3.2, 11.5, 13.8, 18.11 (119)
BRISBANE: 3.3, 4.6, 10.8, 15.10 (100)
GOALS: Carlton: Fevola 5, Murphy 3, Betts, 3, Gibbs 2, Cloke 2, Hadley, Houlihan, Judd
Brisbane: Bradshaw 6, Brown 3, Sherman 2, Hooper 2, Johnstone, McGrath
BEST: Carlton: Judd, Fevola, Hadley, Gibbs, Houlihan, Thornton
Brisbane: Bradshaw, Power, Drummond, Rich, Adcock, Black
INJURIES: Carlton: Jamison (shoulder)
Brisbane: Nil
REPORTS: Brown (Brisbane) by emergency umpire Pannell in the last quarter for rough conduct on Murphy (Carlton)
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Chamberlain, Keating
CROWD: 42,496 at Etihad Stadium
237
Kicks
166
143
Marks
70
162
Handballs
182
59
Tackles
46
17
Frees
21
34
Hit Outs
36
3.2
Q1
3.3
11.5
Q2
4.6
13.8
Q3
10.8
18.11
Q4
15.10
Brisbane
1
M Clark
2
A Proud
0.1
4
T Johnstone
1.0
6
L Power
7
J Adcock
9
A McGrath
1.0
10
D Rich
0.1
11
J Sherman
2.1
16
J Brown
3.0
18
B Dalziell
19
J Charman
19
D Bradshaw
6.1
20
S Black
20
R Hooper
2.0
21
D Merrett
23
M Leuenberger
24
J Patfull
28
T Selwood
28
J Macdonald
32
C Stiller
35
M Rischitelli
0.2
39
J Drummond