On Friday afternoon, Carlton announced a record membership for an eighth year in a row. Many of those fans later voted with their feet, jeering their side as they streamed out of Marvel Stadium.
In a year many expect the Blues to make the leap into September, the jury is still out after eight rounds. The doubters swelled significantly after the Brisbane Lions showed them how much further they need to improve to get to their goal with a 26-point victory.
Charlie Cameron celebrates one of his four goals for the Lions in their win over Carlton.Credit: AFL Photos
A chorus of boos rang out across the venue at three-quarter-time after the Lions destroyed the hosts with a dominant third quarter of five goals to nothing.
The partisan crowd of 45,548 had noticeably thinned out in the last quarter when the Blues teased those who had stayed with a belated run that never threatened to pinch the game.
The final margin was not indicative of the gulf between the Blues and finals football.
The dare which characterised their game 12 months ago was glaringly absent. Their drubbing of West Coast encouraged false hope. Against strong opposition, they lacked the nous and the skill to break down the Lions.
Despite winning the contested ball by 23 and having 57 more possessions, the Blues could not give twin towers Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay quality or quantity.
Lachie Neale on the run for Brisbane.Credit: AFL Photos
King Charlie was sporting a Lion rather than the monogram. Charlie Cameron set the Lions alight in the third term with two of his four goals, while Zac Bailey booted three in a decisive burst.
Cameron said the Lions gave the Blues a bit too much room in the final quarter. “It was a bit scrappy in that last quarter, but we held on,” Cameron told Channel Seven post-game.
“Carlton’s a quality side. We knew what we were coming into. Obviously, a packed crowd on a Friday night at Marvel was special. A good win on the road.″
The Blues’ defence was cut to shreds. Their match-ups will be keenly scrutinised, as Cameron’s speed burnt Nic Newman, and Adam Saad was not providing his customary dash off half-back.
Carlton’s midfield racked up big numbers but the Lions’ touches were more telling. Josh Dunkley won hands down his duel with Patrick Cripps. Jarrod Berry and Hugh McCluggage provided weight of numbers.
In a frenetic first term where 10 goals were scored, the Lions had the early ascendancy, testing the Blues’ defence with their quick ball movement out of the centre.
Carlton coach Michael Voss speaks to his players during the clash.Credit: Getty Images
Cameron was lively, as he always is. So, too, was Joe Daniher, whose long-range goal after a sloppy kick from Ed Curnow showcased the best of his talents. He set up another for Cameron, also from a costly kicking turnover.
The Blues’ method was apparent. When clear, move the ball fast and long to Curnow and McKay, who both kicked goals in the first quarter.
The strategy and their game broke down in the second quarter, due to the Lions’ forward pressure, the Blues inviting the heat, and their poor kicking. All were related.
When the ball did get forward of centre, Curnow and McKay, who spent a chunk of the quarter off, were given no hope. Hemmed in their back half, the Blues gritted their teeth as the Lions failed to make the most of their chances.
Their reward for perseverance came just before half-time when Jesse Motlop snapped an opportunist’s goal.
Matthew Kennedy marks after going on.Credit: Getty Images
SUB STIR
The Blues made a surprise sub when they brought off Lewis Young for midfielder Matthew Kennedy despite the defender having held Eric Hipwood goalless and to just seven possessions. As Young did not appear to be injured it appeared to be very much a substitution made for tactical reasons. Out of desperation, Michael Voss shuffled the magnets, moving Brodie Kemp to Hipwood, Sam Docherty back into defence and Kennedy to provide fresh legs in a well-beaten midfield.
BALL MAGNETS
Usually, when a team gets on top it comes from the influence of their prime movers. This was not the case for the Lions, whose control of the second term came despite Lachie Neale, Will Ashcroft, Zac Bailey and Cam Rayner having little of the ball. The star quartet managed only eight possessions between them.
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