For the fifth time across three seasons, Carlton took a brief hiatus from addressing internal issues to deliver a commanding victory over West Coast, winning 12.4 (86) to 7.10 (52).
The Blues’ aspirations for finals remain precarious, and while they return home with a positive result, they have concerns to address.
Star forward Charlie Curnow was substituted during the second quarter due to what the club has described as calf tightness.
Charlie Curnow and Tom McCarthy tussle for the footy. Getty
A significant setback would occur if he were to miss an extended period, particularly with Harry McKay also sidelined due to a knee injury.
However, Curnow expressed optimism regarding his condition, stating to Fox Footy post-game, “It feels alright, I had some awareness during that first quarter, but hopefully it’s nothing to worry about.”
“You have to be cautious with these situations,” he cautioned.
In the second half, Carlton didn’t require as much offensive power, thanks to a 39-point advantage by quarter-time.
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter was vocal about his team’s first-quarter performance, describing it as “pathetic” to Fox Footy.
“We were pathetic in the contest… We simply weren’t getting it done with the ball,” he responded.
The Eagles adjusted well, equalling the contest and competing much more evenly in the following quarters.
However, they faced a blow of their own in the fourth quarter when captain Oscar Allen was carried off with a non-contact leg injury.
Oscar Allen carried from the field. AFL Photos via Getty Images
After enduring a significant injury setback in 2024, another serious injury could severely impact Allen’s future, as he has yet to decide on his next contract.
He has been heavily linked with a transfer to Brisbane, and a further substantial leg injury would clearly dent that potential move.
In another instance, young talent Harley Reid could find himself in trouble with the Match Review Office after he elbowed Carlton’s Lachie Fogarty in the head following a tackle.
Reid has already faced his share of MRO controversies early in his career, with a suspension last season likely costing him a chance at the Rising Star award.
Harley Reid’s elbow made contact. Fox Footy
On a brighter note for the Eagles, Tom McCarthy, their number one pick from this year’s mid-season draft, has proven to be a promising talent. McCarthy, who was playing division two footy just nine months ago, set a record for the most disposals by a debuting West Coast player, showcasing his agility and speed off the half-back line.
He became the first West Coast player this season to gather 30 disposals in a match, finishing with a total of 31.
George Hewett led Carlton with 35 disposals, while Lachie Fogarty and Mitch McGovern both contributed three goals each.
For West Coast, Bailey Williams also netted three goals, with Reid recording 28 touches.
In an unexpected twist during the match, Fox Footy brought in former English cricketer Graeme Swann at three-quarter time, who labelled the Eagles “soft” following their dismal opening term.
The final quarter saw less urgency from both sides, as they assessed their injuries. Carlton ruckman Hudson O’Keeffe sustained a hamstring issue, while West Coast defender Harry Edwards was seen with ice applied to his hamstring.
Neither team appeared keen to push the game in the last ten minutes.
West Coast heads into the bye two games adrift of the nearest competition, while Carlton looks forward to facing North Melbourne at the MCG next.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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