That was the sum of all fears for Carlton.
Against a well-devised, rigidly implemented, fast-moving, physically demanding system they would be found wanting.
The pessimistic lived in fear of this in the lead-up.
It materialised in the third quarter as St Kilda’s relentless approach broke the Blues.
The first half was classically goal-for-goal and an enthralling tactical duel. The last quarter was nullified – Ross style - when the result was secured.
Having made a lot of a little to half-time, the Saints classically lifted their rating in the decisive third term.
They turned the midfield matchups and the contested ball in their favour, their run was punishing in transition, they pounced on the opportunities and their kicking inside 50 was excellent.
And it was too much for Carlton. They failed the audit.
The Blues are a fascinating case study. As they revealed themselves last year, they were so damn exciting.
They played pulsating, sometimes madcap footy. At its best, it was overwhelming.
It lacked a measure of sophistication and the necessary defensive reliability.
We know how that looked by the end of the season with all its associated heartache.
The Carlton of 2023 so far is dour rather than dynamic and it doesn’t suit them.
The popcorn team of last year is nowhere to be seen
Can it be recalibrated? It needs to be.
140 marks – 126 uncontested for only eight goals. They can’t move it and they can’t score. That’s not the way.
The trouble with the past two weeks is the Blues have been beaten by teams in their own guise – aspiring sides looking to break into finals.
Having spent so long and endured so much pain building this it’s a little disconcerting that Adelaide and St Kilda have brushed past with such ease.
So I went to bed last night pondering the sum of all fears.
We’re not back at the station waiting for the train that’s never arriving, are we?