That second half on Sunday was the perfect set up for Carlton. Take the test of Ross.
Would the Blues be mature enough, sophisticated enough and nerveless enough to run down the Saints and prevail.
Where they had failed so completely in April, they soared in August. It tells you everything you need to know about coach and team alike.
It was characterized by the nature of the four goals kicked in the final term.
The opening centre clearance won and the ball trapped forward by the pressure of Hollands and Motlop and Owies and Cuningham.
De Koning’s smother allows Fisher to get the ball to full forward where Charlie Curnow brought it to ground and Motlop, Owies and Cuningham did their thing.
These become recurring theses.
Pittonet takes an intercept mark and kicks long for De Koning who makes the contest. Fisher and Docherty and Dow put the finishing touches to it.
The fact that Paddy Dow puts the Blues in front was perfect.
To mix movie metaphors today… it was like Neville Longbottom revealing himself as the hero of Harry Potter.
Easy to overlook and underestimate by those closest to him Dow met his moment when it was needed.
De Koning again was central at a boundary throw in to set Motlop and Ed Curnow in motion.
Charlie wouldn’t be beaten against two opponents and with Acres as his alibi got the reward.
And so too Acres who has three involvements from a ball up on the wing to show all his skill for the sealer.
For as good as the Blues win over Collingwood was, I’m with Michael Voss… this was better.
All the facets of the game. The contribution of the many and the commitment of all.