Goalsneak delivers a KO to hapless Swans
IT WAS the running joke all summer.
Little bargain-buy Matthew Wright winning the Carlton goalkicking with only 22 majors. Insert snigger here.
Yesterday, the former Crow kicked four, three of them in a matchwinning third quarter rampage, to deliver the knockout blow to Sydney’s season.
Carlton’s enthusiasm, hunger and desire not only overwhelmed the Swans, but perhaps proved there’s abright light at the end of a long tunnel for the famous club.
They won 15.7 (97) to 11.12 (78), kicking 10 goals to five after halftime to condemn last year’s grand finalist to 0-6.
If Wright was the gag of the off-season, the recruitment of veteran Alex Silvagni from Fremantle wasn’t far behind.
But the man known as “ASOS” at Princes Park had a sparkling debut in navy blue despite being given the toughest assignment on the ground – stopping Lance Franklin.
He copped a shove to the face from “Buddy” before the first bounce, which sparked a melee, but the former Docker then set about letting his footy be his mode of revenge.
Franklin had 19 disposals, most well up the ground, and kicked only one goal, which came from general play.
It might have been the best eight-possession game so far this season, with Silvagni’s ability to win or halve dangerous one-on-one contests against Franklin an enormous factor in the result.
When Silvagni caught Brandon Jack holding the ball while running into an open goal the Blues supporters rose in a standing ovation.
“He was super. He’s one the toughest players I’ve seen,” Patrick Cripps said.
“At training you’ve got to be careful. He goes in bloody hard. It’s exciting, it’s a young list and we’ll continue to grow.”
Jacob Weitering produced CARLTON V SYDNEY SWANS BEST 1.3 5.4 10.7 15.7 3.2 6.6 8.10 11.12 GOALS UMPIRES CROWD his best game as a forward, despite playing hurt for much of the second half. He led up the ground to collect 17 touches and eight marks, two contested, to provide a valuable linkup option.
Whatever goalkicking coach Sav Rocca is being paid, Carlton should double it. Rocca’s pupil Levi Casboult kicked two goals, both in the second term from three big contested marks, and was a constant menace for the Swans defence.
Sam Docherty (39 touches), Kade Simpson (31) and Marc Murphy (31) were the usual suspects, but there were more signs from Charlie Curnow (14 disposals, six marks, one goal) Sam Petrevski-Seton, Tom Williamson and Zac Fisher.
Sydney forward Gary Rohan is recovering in hospital after landing heavily on his head in yesterday’s match.
Rohan, who has had wretched luck with injuries during his career, was taken off on a stretcher after the thirdquarter accident.
Sydney Swans coach John Longmire confirmed postmatch that Rohan was conscious and had full movement in his limbs.