Blues coast it in: Round 10 review (Friday)

A goalless second quarter from West Coast proved the difference in a match that was over at half time.

Carlton’s midfield was the key to their success tonight with Marc Murphy, Kade Simpson, Chris Judd and Nick Stevens (when the game was still in the balance) all having a big night. Murphy’s 32 disposals and six tackles earned him the star of the game. But when you think about it, Murphy’s rise to premium midfielder status was inevitable. It just so happens that the most famous jumper ever worn by the Carlton Football Club was the famous light blue M&M promotion jersey. What are Marc Murphy’s initials? You guessed it: M&M. Coincidence or destiny? You be the judge.

In other areas, Paul Bower turned it on in defence for the Blues, notching up his first DT ton. Also, the Carlton forward line managed to score sufficiently with Brendan Fevola having 10 scoring shots and six big ones, including a Daicos-like one from the boundary. Yet the question remains to be asked: Who can stand up when Fevola is down on form? Although Brad Fisher scored three goals, it was an unconvincing display for mine.

On the West Coast side of the ledger, there is little to be said. Dean Cox, despite rumours of an injury, scored well but fell agonisingly short of a DT ton. He did not reach his breakeven this week and will go down in price. Mark LeCras is the only other Eagle worth mentioning: six goals in a losing team was a solid effort from the small forward. He was one of the few Eagles that actually looked like they might do something when the ball came into their vicinity.

Are Carlton still top four contenders? Are they indeed “coming”? Will Daniel Kerr get suspended? Is Fev back? Are you happy with your captaincy choices from this match? Feel free to have your say below.