Carlton have celebrated their first AFL finals look in a decade with a tense six-point win over Sydney that retains their premiership dream alive.
The Blues led by 28 factors throughout time-on of the third quarter however needed to endure some nervous moments earlier than hanging on for an 11.8 (74) to 9.14 (68) victory in Friday evening’s elimination ultimate.
Carlton will subsequent meet Melbourne in a knockout semi-final as they proceed their bid to finish a 28-year flag drought.
But they may probably accomplish that with out Harry McKay after the important thing ahead was subbed out with an harm following a third-quarter marking contest.
The Blues’ different concern surrounds Jack Martin, who faces scrutiny from the league’s match assessment officer after he caught Nick Blakey excessive with a swinging arm over a contested ball.
Blakey performed out the match after passing a concussion check.
Sam Walsh (29 disposals), Blake Acres (26), former Swan George Hewett (25) and dependable defender Jacob Weitering have been among the many Blues’ greatest in moist and windy circumstances on the MCG.
Martin and Matthew Cottrell kicked two objectives every, whereas Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow managed only one.
In doubt with a shoulder harm through the week, wingman Blake Acres twice made essential performs within the second half when he touched pictures on the purpose line, denying the Swans majors after video critiques.
Acres then gave the Blues very important respiratory area when he strolled into an open purpose with 5 minutes left to play.
Carlton captain Patrick Cripps (21 disposals, three clearances) kicked an necessary third-quarter purpose however was comparatively effectively held by Callum Mills in his first finals look after 181 video games.
McKay had a unclean evening, lacking two pictures from the highest of the purpose sq. earlier than he was subbed out.
Errol Gulden kicked two objectives from 23 disposals as one among Sydney’s greatest, whereas Jake Lloyd (27 touches), Blakey (23) and retiring ruckman Tom Hickey additionally fought exhausting.
Carlton had their long-suffering supporters on their ft early with objectives to fan-favourites Sam Docherty and Curnow within the opening three minutes.
The Blues dominated contested ball (43-26) within the second quarter and kicked out to a 30-point lead earlier than halftime.
Hickey gave the Swans a third-quarter spark and the guests received inside eight factors early within the ultimate time period when a mix-up between Brodie Kemp and Tom De Koning gifted Luke Parker a purpose.
An arm wrestle ensued and a raft of talent errors have been made by either side beneath stress earlier than Acres’ late purpose appeared to have sealed the consequence.
Hayden McLean dragged the Swans again inside a kick with 25 seconds remaining however the Blues emerged victorious from the determined ultimate phases.
It was one other MCG failure for Sydney, who misplaced all 4 video games on the venue this season following final yr’s grand ultimate thumping from Geelong.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
