Carlton coach Michael Voss referred to as for matchday stories to be scrapped after star defender Jacob Weitering was cited for hanging through the Blues’ 60-point rout of Hawthorn on the MCG.
After dropping eight of 9 matches, the Blues backed up their 59-point thumping of Gold Coast earlier than the bye to win consecutive video games for the primary time in three months and stay in AFL finals competition.
Hawthorn did not register a aim till Mitch Lewis’ main six minutes into the third quarter, their worst first-half in six years, because the Blues cantered to a 17.10 (112) to 7.10 (52) victory.
But vice-captain Weitering faces a nervous wait after being cited for hanging Hawthorn ruckman Lloyd Meek in an off-the-ball incident through the third quarter.
Voss thought the contact “didn’t classify as high” and believed umpires ought to “absolutely” cease making gameday stories and go away it to the match overview officer.
“That’s why we’ve got the MRO,” he mentioned.
“If there’s any doubt, just wait. It won’t get missed, I guarantee.”
Weitering additionally appeared relaxed in regards to the incident.
“I’ve never been placed on report before. I felt like it was an open hand on the chest,” he informed Fox Footy.
“I play the game pretty hotly contested, so we’ll just see.”
Carlton had been again to the attacking type that just about earned them a 2022 finals spot, and mixed it with a robust defensive plan as they strangled the Sixteenth-placed Hawks.
The match was primarily over when Voss’ males led by 50 on the major break, even when the Hawks loved a short resurgence after Lewis’ aim as they lowered the deficit to 38.
Despite enduring a season effectively beneath inside and exterior expectations, the Blues (6-1-8) discover themselves only a game-and-a-half exterior the top-eight.
If they’ll defeat Fremantle at Optus Stadium subsequent Saturday night time, Carlton will genuinely be again in competition to finish their 10-year finals drought.
Hawthorn, who shocked premiership fancies Brisbane on the MCG solely a month in the past, put in one in every of their poorer performances since Sam Mitchell turned coach forward of the 2022 season.
The Hawks’ younger midfield was proven up by Carlton captain Patrick Cripps (28 possessions, eight clearances), Adam Cerra (27, six) and Sam Walsh, whereas Charlie Curnow and Jack Martin kicked three objectives every in an enormous enchancment up ahead for the Blues.
Carlton additionally received with out a recognised ruckman after the out-of-contract Tom De Koning (knee) was a late withdrawal and joined Marc Pittonet on the sidelines.
Recalled Jack Silvangi, defender Lewis Young and even Cripps had been compelled to deal with the ruck contests towards the Hawthorn duo of Meek and Ned Reeves.
Mitchell was bitterly upset by the efficiency.
“We just started the game so energy-less,” Mitchell mentioned.
“After the game, we basically asked the players three questions and said, ‘What happened? Why? And what are we going to do about it?’
“There’s loads of points within the recreation that got here to the entrance very early, after which we’re chasing tail from there.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
