Carlton has won its first game of the 2019 season, defeating the Western Bulldogs by 44 points at Marvel Stadium.
The Blues were magnificent from start to finish to record a thoroughly deserving victory against a wasteful Bulldogs side.
It’s the club’s first win since they beat Gold Coast in Round 19 last year, and the first time they’ve kicked over 100 points in three years.
TRIPLE FIGURES FOR THE BLUES!#AFLDogsBlues pic.twitter.com/tpkGUxIflD
— AFL (@AFL) April 21, 2019
After a tough start to the campaign, Brendon Bolton’s side can take plenty of positives from their drought-breaking win.
Here’s everything you need to know!
The Stars: Sam Petrevski-Seton, Patrick Cripps and Harry McKay
Sam Petrevski-Seton and Patrick Cripps had a picnic in the first half as they totally controlled the midfield battle.
The Carlton pair collected a staggering 51 disposals and 11 clearances between them, helping their side open up a 19-point lead at the main break.
It was a breakout game for Petrevki-Seton, finishing with 35 disposals at 88.6 per cent efficiency, seven clearances, four inside 50s, two defensive rebounds and a goal in a career-best performance.
Sam Petrevski-Seton with a career high 30 disposals! #AFLDogsBlues pic.twitter.com/24rbS2s87w
— AFL (@AFL) April 21, 2019
Cripps was herculean for the winners with 36 possessions and 11 clearances while emerging forward Harry McKay was also superb with four big goals and 11 towering marks.
Three contested marks for Harry McKay already! #AFLDogsBlues pic.twitter.com/qp1yPXWH0F
— AFL (@AFL) April 21, 2019
Expert says: Maher hails Carlton’s ball-movement
Carlton’s ball movement in the win over the Bulldogs was the best it’s been in three years, according to SEN’s Andy Maher.
One passage of play in the third quarter that resulted in a Levi Casboult goal would have warmed the hearts of Blues fans.
"That's as good as they've moved the football in three years"
— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) April 21, 2019
Andy Maher as Carlton goes end to end, with Casboult putting the Blues ahead by 30 points #AFLDogsBlues
Is this the best passage of play from the Blues for the year?#AFLDogsBlues pic.twitter.com/2pBMWHlo2y
— AFL (@AFL) April 21, 2019
What’s next?
The Western Bulldogs travel to Perth to take on an improved Fremantle at Optus Stadium next Saturday night. Carlton face Hawthorn at the University of Tasmania Stadium next Sunday afternoon.
Full Score
Western Bulldogs: 3.3, 4.10, 6.12, 7.15.57
Carlton: 5.3, 8.5, 11.6, 15.11.101
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Lloyd 2, Dickson 2, McLean, Liberatore, Gowers,
Carlton: McKay 4, Casboult 3, Dow, Murphy, Gibbons, Silvagni, McGovern, Petrevski-Seton, Fisher, Walsh,
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Macrae, Daniel, Liberatore, Johannisen
Carlton: Petrevski-Seton, Cripps, McKay, Fisher, Casboult, Murphy, Walsh, Plowman,
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Nil