Carlton’s poor ball use cost them dearly in their 28-point loss to Port Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday night.
It was a harsh reality check for the Blues who were coming off two straight wins over Fremantle and Gold Coast with the Power’s poise and execution the difference between the two clubs.
The 9.14 (68) to 15.6 (96) scoreline summed up the gulf in class and Port's efficiency forward of centre.
Kane Cornes says David Teague’s side are “miles off it” in what has been an "ordinary" start to the season.
“They’re in the game to half-time, contested and clearance stuff is good,” Cornes told AFL.com.au’s The Round So Far.
“But this is the difference, their ability to turn the footy over in the front half and choose the wrong options … Marc Murphy – senior player – kicking it to Port Adelaide’s spare time and time again.
“This is the flipside – this is the difference in the game – look at Port Adelaide’s speed of ball movement, choosing the right option and executing in front of centre.
“That was the difference, all the stats are pretty even, but just the class differential in the two sides going forward. At times, it did look like a training drill.
“A lot of soul searching for David Teague. It’s been a really ordinary start for a side who we thought should be challenging, but are just miles off it.
“It was a horrible performance from Carlton and a real soul searching one.”
Blues captain Patrick Cripps finished with 27 disposals and six clearances, but committed some crucial errors.
The star midfielder missed a gettable set shot in the first quarter, before conceding a 50m penalty that resulted in a Port Adelaide goal to Scott Lycett before half-time.
From a leadership perspective, Cornes thinks Cripps, who remains out of contract, has a decision to make.
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“It was symptomatic of the team, the amount of opportunities that Cripps had tonight (Saturday). He just had a really ordinary night,” Cornes continued.
“I think he’s got a decision to make, Patrick Cripps. Do you want to be a Trent Cotchin leader, or do you want to win Brownlow Medals, best and fairests and do what you’re doing?
“Right now, Patrick Cripps has played in 33 wins for his career and hasn’t played a final, he’s 26 years of age, he wants $1 million – he’s not playing like a player that deserves $1 million.
“He’s trying to be the best player on the ground – be the best leader for your team on the ground. Play to your strengths.
“Going forward, not his strength. Kicking the ball inside 50, not his strength. Carrying the team on your back, winning contested footy and shovelling it out is your strength.
“Right now, he appears to be doing too much and gone away from that.”
Carlton sit 2-3 and next face Brisbane at Marvel Stadium next Saturday afternoon.
