Australian Football

Match Report

CARLTON'S FINE DASH

SOME BRIGHT FOOTBALL.

Although Melbourne were no match for the strong Carlton team, there was some bright football in the game at the M.C.C. ground, in the presence of 4,000 onlookers. From the outset the game was contested in the open; consequently, the running with ball and high marking were excellent. Carlton excelled throughout in these departments, while the crisp play of the forwards was much too good for Melbourne whose play individually at times was good, but indifferent passing at short range lost them main points. There were some fine tussles in the centre between Lilley and McGregor, the Melbourne men playing a hard, solid game, without much assistant from his forwards; while McGregor shone in clever short passing to his men near goal. On the whole, honours were easy. The Carlton forwards were generally smart, and the goal-kicking first-rate.

Melbourne had some differently in completing their team, owing to several men who were picked failing to attend. At the last moment it was announced that Cannole and Walker had gone back to Coburg and their places were filled by Collins and Smith. They also had Brunier, from the Collegians, playing for the first time and he made a very satisfactory debut. For Carlton McDonald and Green were unable to play, and Valentine and Gardiner reappeared.

1st Quarter

The opening was sensational, three goals being kicked within four minutes. A mark by Gardiner from Challis produced first goal for Carlton, and then an equally good effort by Best at the other end opened Melbourne's account. Sharp snapped the next for Carlton. After short interval, during which some smart play took place on the centre line, Fisher added another for Carlton; and a little later he scored again from a free kick. The next goal, for Melbourne, came after some hard work by Hendrie, Best dropping the ball into goal, and Brunier snapping it. Carlton then, with rare dash, kept the ball forward, while Lowe and Hammond added goals. Just before time Brunier punted third goal for Melbourne. At quarter-time the scores were:—Carlton, 6 goals 5 behinds; Melbourne, 3 goals 1 behind.

2nd Quarter

The second quarter was well contested, and the kicking a feature. Carlton, however, were playing with clever combination; while Melbourne kicked wildly. Melbourne got the first goal, Best beating three Carlton backs. Then Carlton responded, and Cook, with a fine kick, added six points Melbourne endeavoured on several occasions to break through, but Baud's dash held them back. A grand run by Brown from halfback, in which he cleverly left McKenzie, was cheered. Goals by McKenzie and Gardiner sent the Carlton tally ahead, and then Brunier, who was shaping well, got another for Carlton. At half-time the board showed:—Carlton 10 goals 7 behinds; Melbourne, 5 goals 3 behinds.

3rd Quarter

After the interval Bacquie, who was the most prominent player for Melbourne, added sixth goal for his side; and then Carlton, by clever short passing and quickness among the forwards, gained two goals in succession. Melbourne were not shaping so well as in the earlier stages, but the play was still worth watching. Fisher, after a series of pretty exchanges by Challis, Valentine, and McGregor, scored again for Carlton, and at the last change the scores were:—Carlton 14 goals 13 behinds; Melbourne, 6 goals 5 behinds.

4th Quarter

The last term was fairly well contested. Melbourne had several openings, but failed at kicking, only behinds being scored from easy shots. Each side scored two goals, and the game ended in an easy victory for Carlton, the final scores being:—

CARLTON, 16 goals 15 behinds (111 behinds).
MELBOURNE, 8 goals 10 behinds (58 points).

Carlton had a very even side. Baud showed grand dash from half-back, and Brown was speedy and clever on the wing. McGregor (in the centre), Dick, (half-back), Daykin, and Hammond (in the ruck), Sharpe (roving), Jamieson (back), Cook and Fisher (forward), were always prominent. Fisher and Gardiner each got four goals. On the Melbourne side, Bacquie had no superior in the game. His roving for the reds was first-class, and he was on the ball almost throughout. Liley (in the centre), Incigneri and Armstrong (back), Gordon and Allen (ruck), Best and Brunier (forward), Evans, Hendrie, and Monk were all hard workers. Lane umpired.