Australian Football

Match Report

CARLTON'S WINNING FINISH

AN EVEN GAME

The large attendance estimated at upwards of 18,000 that witnessed the second meeting of Carlton and Collingwood, on Carlton's ground, was treated to an exhibition of football which, though lacking in some of the finer points of the game, was nevertheless characterised by an evenness that held the interest of onlookers to the end. Carlton prevailed at the finish by seven points, and the merits of the play are very fairly reflected in this narrow margin. In the matter of shooting for goal, neither side has cause for self-gratulation, comparatively easy chances being repeatedly missed. In the dark blue uniform Dick, Fisher, and Challis were substituted for Calwell, Scaddan, and Clancy, while for the Magpies Alec Mutch, McIvor, Jackson, Mathieson and Anderson replaced Reynolds, Raleigh, Charlie Mutch, Rush, and Huntington.

1st Quarter

In contrast with the boisterous northerly of the previous Saturday, there was hardly a breath of wind to favour either side. Carlton's pennants hung idly at their staffs. For spectators at all events the conditions were ideal. Though Collingwood were first to score, the dark blues secured the initial goal—a real asset where sides are evenly matched—Cook, from a scrimmage, tipping it through. Collingwood were quick to respond. For a time they had matters much to themselves, but from a number of opportunities could score only behinds. There was a good deal of fumbling, but eventually McHale passed over to Laxton, from whose kick Lee marked and sent it on to Dobrigh, and Collingwood's first goal followed. Minogue and Wilson were working hard, and shortly afterwards Hughes, marking from Jackson, added the visitors' second goal. Carlton rallied, and Green snapped another goal for them before the bell, the scores being—Collingwood, 2 goals 7 behinds; Carlton, 2 goals 1 behind. Had Collingwood profited by their opportunities forward they would have had a commanding lead instead of the nominal one of six points.

2nd Quarter

Carlton were first to make use of the new ball that was procured for the second term, and a behind resulted. Collingwood responded in kind, Rowan, McHale, and Lee working it forward. It was not long, however, before Hughes, marking from Seddon, kicked truly for the visitors. Carlton, meanwhile, were not idle. Eventually they broke away, a free kick to Dick sending it forward via McKenzie and Fisher to the crippled McDonald, who with a hurried shot hit the post. Shortly afterwards McGregor passed to Fisher, who with a good kick equalised the goal tally — three apiece. After Minogue and Hughes had led an attack which was repulsed by Carlton's defenders, Daykin and Cook brought it down for the blues, and Green snapped a minor point. Collingwood were aggressive for a time, and Lee went very close, but Jamieson saved, and the ball was rushed to the other end, where Daykin, with a snap, put Carlton in the lead again. Collingwood were not to be denied, and soon regained their small lead, Laxton snapping their fourth goal. Lee marked just before the bell, and had his shot, but a fine kick just failed to cover the distance. The board then showed: Collingwood, 4 goals 9 behinds; Carlton, 4 goals 7 behinds.

3rd Quarter

It was not long before the scores were again in Carlton's favour, for McKenzie and Challis put Cook in possession, and fifth goal followed from a place shot. Collingwood attacked desperately, but without result for a time, and when points came they were only singles. A period of even play about midfield succeeded the visitors' bombardment, then Carlton took a hand, and for a time emulated their opponents in the accumulation of small points. Eventually they got the goal that meant much (the only one scored that quarter, by the way), those to share the honour being Challis, McKenzie, and Green, and thus secured the lead again. The Magpies had a chance to retaliate, but an easy shot by Laxton went astray, and the spell before the final struggle found the home team in the lead with 5 goals 11 behinds, to 4 goals 14 behinds.

4th Quarter

When the final encounter was entered upon it looked as though Carlton had something in reserve. They immediately assumed the aggressive, and soon Cook, getting a free kick, placed the ball, and added six points for the home side. Collingwood, however, hung to them determinedly, and after beating off a second Carlton attack transferred play to the other end. Green forwarded, and Lee had flying shot, but nothing came of it. Both teams were on their mettle, and some fine play was witnessed on both sides. For a time the game hung in the balance. With a free kick, Challis relieved the pressure on Carlton's goal, but Anderson returned, only to see the ball brought back by Green, Daykin, and Cook, the last-named, however, kicking poorly. Each side in turn strove with might and main—the one to secure a decisive lead, the other to wipe out a deficit which, though small, was a serious factor at that stage of the game, but the defence of both sides was superb. A couple of behinds strengthened Carlton's position, then Cook, from a free kick, had a shot within range. His long place-kick was, however, marked by Seddon, and Collingwood supporters breathed again. Jackson and Wilson took them out of a critical position, but Challis was there, and Collingwood's sortie was unavailing. Another behind was rushed for Carlton, then Jackson kicked to Minogue, who in turn passed to Lee, and Collingwood's fifth goal raised the hopes of the Magpies' supporters. Heartened by this success, Collingwood swept forward again, but a free kick to Fisher saved the situation for Carlton. The visitors kept at it, but the blues were equally determined, and, with a couple of behinds, more than held their own. Game to the last, Collingwood returned to the charge, and Dobrigh secured a minor point. The bell soon afterwards put an end to a keenly, though fairly contested struggle, with the totals:

CARLTON, 6 goals 16 behinds (52 points).
COLLINGWOOD, 5 goals 15 behinds (45 points).

For the winners, those to show out conspicuously were Daykin, Leehane (until hurt, as mentioned elsewhere), Haughton, Challis, Dick, McGregor, Fisher, and Cook. Among others, those to worthily uphold the honour of the magpie jacket were Anderson, Hughes, Jackson, Laxton, Minogue, Mathieson, McHale and Wilson. Elder showed considerable discretion in his handling of the game.