Key posts
Cerra kicks Blues’ first
Adam Cerra has booted Carlton’s first goal of the day, slotting the ball through from a set shot after a crafty grab near the big sticks.
It was Jack Martin with the set up.
Gold Coast lead by 9-points.
Suns get the second
The Suns’s Ben Ainsworth has kicked the Suns’ second goal of the day from the boundary.
The Blues are yet to register a goal.
Gold Coast are winning the clearances and contested possessions, while Carlton are looking a little flat-footed.
Gold Coast are leading Carlton 2.3 (15) to 0.1 (1).
Casboult gets the first goal
Levi Casboult has kicked the first goal of the day 13 minutes in to the game.
The Suns were finally rewarded for their territory dominance, as the ball has lived the majority in their forward half.
While the Carlton defence have been put under the pump early days, they have been holding up well.
It’s Casboult’s 200th career goal and ninth of the season.
Saad saves one
It was looking like the Suns were to get the first goal of the day off the boot of Brayden Fiorini, but the score review deemed it touched by Blues defender Adam Saad.
Six minutes, no goals
The first six minutes have gone by without a goal.
The Suns have had more opportunities with four inside 50s, while the Blues have had just the one.
The ball has been going from contest to contest.
We’re away
We’re off at the MCG with the Blues hunting their first win in seven games (ouch), while the Suns are looking to contend the top eight.
A win could see Gold Coast creep in the top eight – and stay there if the Western Bulldogs are defeated later in the day by North Melbourne.
For Carlton, a win is must-needed for any hopes to keep their season alive and inject some morale into the playing group and fan base.
Suns are strong in the clearance and winning the contested ball, but the Blues have Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps and two Coleman Medallists in Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow on their side.
Let’s see who wants it more today…
Can the Blues break their drought today?
After a promising start to the season, Carlton have now endured six losses in a row and come into today’s match as 15th on the ladder.
This is while Gold Coast have notched up wins in their last two games and have fresh legs with the bye round last weekend.
Will today be the day the Blues break the drought or will the Suns keep up their momentum?
Let us know what you think in the comments.
Five minutes to first bounce.
No late changes for Blues, Suns
There are no late changes for Carlton or Gold Coast.
Substitutes are:
- Paddy Dow for the Blues
- Alex Sexton for the Suns
Psychology student, Coleman Medal giver: There’s more to Harry McKay than meets the eye
By Andrew Wu
Ahead of Harry McKay’s 100th game, this masthead’s Andrew Wu took a look into the Coleman Medallist, the man and player, including insight from friends, family and teammates.
There is much more than meets the eye.
This is a player who moved from Richmond to the seaside to be closer to the chilled waters of the bay for his recovery; who has installed a steam room at his home; who hired a sprint coach in the off-season. Teammates say he is the hardest worker at the club. He is so devoted to his football they joke he does not have time for a girlfriend.
Harry McKay gives his 2021 Coleman Medal to his parents Peter and Tracey; in action for Carlton.
About last night: Cotchin winds back the clock as inspired Tigers beat Saints
By Andrew Wu
Richmond’s yellow and black army were singing in the rain on Saturday night after their beloved Tigers marked Trent Cotchin’s 300-game milestone with a stirring win in the wet over St Kilda.
Trent Cotchin.Credit: Getty Images
What began as a night of reminiscing for Tigers supporters finished with many of them daring to dream of another September after their club recovered from a tardy start, then held firm as the committed Saints surged in the second half, to prevail by 20 points.
A who’s who of Richmond royalty, including Damien Hardwick, Brendon Gale, Kevin Bartlett, Wayne Campbell, Francis Bourke and Mick Malthouse, were among a Tigers-dominated crowd of 62,686 who braved a soggy winter’s night to pay tribute to their triple premiership captain.
