Smith out for the Dogs, Bont playing on an injured ankle. Cerra out for the Blues, Walsh back in. We know Carlton will punish the Dogs defense aerially, but will the Dogs midfield and run be too much. Curnow takes the contested mark, plays-on and goals right away for the Blues. English replies from 50 for the Dogs, followed by a Ugle-Hagan snap. Fogarty misses an uncontested run in goal for the Blues, but a good rundown by Cripps and he converts the goal. A good mark and conversion by Scott for the Dogs to end the 1st term, Carlton up 7. Cripps kicks his second, McKay 2 as well, as the Blues get out to a solid lead. Liberatore settles for the Dogs. The Blues pressure's causing uncharacteristic Bulldogs turnovers. Hannan marks and goals just before the half to keep the Dogs in the game, down 31. Weightman slaughters a set shot from right in front, but kicks the next one. Liberatore kicks his second, the Dogs back within 2 goals. Until Curnow snaps his third for the Blues, Carlton up 18 going into the last. Curnow with his kicking boots on, puts through his fourth. Hannan kicks a great goal, giving the Dogs some hope, but they were too inaccurate late. Carlton getting home by 12 points, starting the season 2-0 for the first time in a long time. Carlton handily won the hit-outs, up 7 in clearances, with much more of the footy. The Dogs laid 10 more tackles and got it inside 50 more, for an extra scoring shot. The Blues key forwards kicking 9 goals, 1 behind between them. Cripps best afield again, with 35 disposals, 11 clearances, 6 inside 50's, 5 tackles, 503 metres gained, 12 score involvements, 2 goals. Curnow 16 disposals, 6 inside 50's, 514 metres gained, an assist and 5 straight goals. McKay 15 disposals, 5 contested marks, 439 metres gained and 4 goals. Docherty 25 disposals, 7 tackles, 7 intercepts. For the Dogs, Macrae 35 disposals, 5 clearances, 8 inside 50's, 562 metres gained, 6 intercepts and 11 score involvements. Liberatore 22 disposals, 6 tackles, 6 intercepts and 2 goals.
3. (Carl) P. Cripps, 2. (Carl) C. Curnow, 1. (Wb) J. Macrae.
3. (Carl) P. Cripps, 2. (Carl) C. Curnow, 1. (Wb) J. Macrae.