Carlton led Collingwood late in the game, but faded to fall to their rivals. Photo: Michael Klein. You’ve got to feel for Carlton fans. Just when you thought they’d suffered enough pain, Blues supporters were forced to endure another heart-stopper against archrivals Collingwood on Saturday afternoon. And on the day the club’s 1979 premiership side celebrated its 40-year anniversary, Carlton produced arguably its most spirited performance under coach Brendon Bolton. And yet it still didn’t produce a win. Live stream the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on KAYO SPORTS. Every match of every round. Live & anytime on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14 day free trial > In a heart-wrenching, seesawing contest, Carlton – the team that last week produced the worst performance of 2019 to date against the previously 18th-placed North Melbourne – narrowly went down to Collingwood – arguably the premiership favourites – at the MCG, with the Pies holding on for a 19-point victory, 16.10 (106) to Carlton 13.9 (87). When you consider what went down a week ago – and the consequent fallout – it’s hard to comprehend the scoreline and the stark contrast between Carlton’s output against the Kangaroos and its effort against Collingwood. “It’s been an absolute turn of events in (six) days,” triple All-Australian Nick Dal Santo told Fox Footy. “From the very first bounce, it looked different and it definitely felt different. Their intensity on the football, their pressure in their forward half was substantially different to last week. It has been exceptional.” Ultimately, for every Carlton challenge, Collingwood had an answer. The Blues pushed ahead by just under two goals deep in the last quarter and seemed destined for one of the biggest upset victories of the season. Carlton led Collingwood deep into the final term. (AAP Image/Hamish Blair) Source: AAP But as Carlton found out first-hand on Saturday afternoon, this Collingwood side doesn’t know what the term ‘give up’ means. It came down to the big moments and Jordan De Goey provided the moment of the match with a stunning soccer goal out of mid-air to give the Pies much-needed breathing space. Tom Phillips then sealed the win with a composed left-foot goal on the run to prompt Blues fans to head for the gates. Despite Collingwood’s win, however, Carlton was the story of the game for an unreal six-day turnaround few expected – except Collingwood. At halftime scores were level – and Pies defender Jeremy Howe knew his team had a challenge on its hands. “It’s what we expected,” Howe told Fox Footy. “Coming into the game, we weren’t going to treat them lightly and they’ve brought exactly what we expected. It’s a fierce contest, it’s going to be one of those ones of who can grind it out for longer.” Bolton threw the magnets around, beginning the game with a smaller forward line to throw a spanner into the Collingwood defensive works. And with Liam Jones missing, Levi Casboult was sent to the backline in a shock move, but more than held his own against Ben Reid and took several intercept grabs. “It happened with Liam Jones, why can’t it happen with Levi Casboult? Just the ball in front of you, run at it, spoil or mark,” Dunstall told Fox Footy. A big marking contest. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images The Blues also matched fire with fire in terms of ball movement. Against the No. 1 team in the league for disposal, uncontested possession and mark differential, the Blues used short kicks and precise ball movement to stifle the Pies. And when the Blues didn’t have ball in hand, their forward-half pressure was relentless, subsequently slowing the Pies’ ball movement – and volume – down. In the second quarter, the Blues had an incredible 30 more disposals and eight more clearances than the Pies – an awesome effort considering how much deeper and more talented Collingwood’s midfield was, albeit without Taylor Adams and Dayne Beams. Patrick Cripps was at his brilliant best, after a slow start. Photo: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia Skipper Patrick Cripps, as has become accustomed, led the charge. After Rupert Wills held the Carlton captain to just five disposals and no clearances in the first quarter, Cripps activated beast mode, picking up 12 disposals (at 83 per cent efficiency) and three clearances for the second term before another nine disposals and six clearances in the third quarter. Cripps’ determination was exemplified by his fourth-quarter goal. After taking an excellent contested mark at half-back, Cripps fed the ball out via hand and sprinted forward. He then received the ball, sprinted past a Collingwood would-be tackler and nailed a sensational goal on the run that had the MCG rocking. “When big moments come, big players stand up – and there’s no one bigger than Patrick Cripps,” Dal Santo said. For the first time in 2019, Charlie Curnow rekindled the past form that had many thinking he could one day be the best player in the competition. Seemingly injury-free for the first time in weeks, Curnow attacked every contest with ferocity and intent in a fascinating battle with fellow emerging star Darcy Moore. “To watch the two No. 30s go head-to-head for the next decade is very exciting,” Dunstall said. Other positives for the Blues included Jack Silvagni, whose workrate was immense, Caleb Marchbank, whose one-percenters down back were crucial, and Marc Murphy, who set the tone for his side with 11 disposals in the first term and a stunning third-term left-foot banana goal. But Collingwood’s stars, when it mattered most, stepped up. Brodie Grundy was immense for the Pies in the ruck, finishing with 49 hit-outs, 25 disposals and two goals. It was the first time Grundy had kicked multiple goals in a game for Collingwood since a loss to the Giants in Round 2 of 2018. Tom Phillips, Steele Sidebottom and Adam Treloar all had 34 disposals, while the Blues didn’t really have an answer for De Goey’s X-factor – both in the middle and up forward – throughout the day. Get the ultimate AFL experience on your phone with the new FOX FOOTY App. Download it NOW for FREE on iOS and Android!<doc-sep>Carlton’s week of soul-searching, scrutiny and off-field drama has ended in heartbreak at the MCG, failing to overcome bitter rivals Collingwood in an agonising 19-point defeat. In one of the most gripping contests of the season, the Blues led by 11 points midway through Saturday afternoon’s final term and threatened to pull off a massive upset before the Magpies surged home to claim a 16.10 (106) to 13.9 (87) victory. The result leaves the Blues stranded at the bottom of the ladder with just one win for 2019 and four from their past 40 games. Rising to the occasion in front of 69,289 fans, Carlton came desperately close to delivering what would have been one of their greatest wins under Brendon Bolton. The lead changed 13 times as the Blues, led magnificently by Patrick Cripps and Marc Murphy, went blow for blow with the premiership pacesetters. With 35 disposals, 13 clearances and a goal, Cripps was enormous in the midfield to reinforce his status as arguably the best player in the AFL. The Blues regained the ascendancy midway through the final term when Mitch McGovern booted a third-straight Carlton goal. But just as they did on Anzac Day against Essendon, the Magpies dug deep and proved too classy when it mattered. Camera Icon Liam Stocker of the Blues looks dejected after losing. Credit: Getty Images Jack Crisp’s long-range running goal pared back the lead, Callum Brown’s soccer finish put the Pies in front by a point with five minutes left, and majors to Jordan De Goey, Tom Phillips and Will Hoskin-Elliott put the result beyond doubt. The outcome will be hard to swallow for Carlton supporters but, after a week that had demanded a response, the Blues provided an emphatic one. A listless 58-point defeat to North Melbourne had raised fresh questions about Carlton’s rebuild, prompting Collingwood president Eddie McGuire to suggest the Blues should consider replacing Bolton with Hawthorn maestro Alastair Clarkson. McGuire used a radio slot to suggest Blues president Mark LoGiudice should seek out four-time premiership coach Clarkson for breakfast, with a view to luring him to Princes Park. Thankfully for McGuire, the Blues didn’t have the last laugh. Ruckman Brodie Grundy (49 hit-outs, 25 disposals, two goals) starred for the Magpies and was instrumental in a final term in which they dominated forward entries. Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom and Tom Phillips were also crucial for the Magpies, who went down a man when Chris Mayne was knocked out in a contest late in the third quarter.<doc-sep>The blockbuster between Collingwood and Carlton has been soured by horrific crowd behaviour after multiple fights broke out in the stands at the MCG. It marks the second time in the last week where a fight has unfolded at the MCG either during or after a game. Several calls to 3AW painted an ugly picture of the scenes that unfolded in bays M11 and M12, the two bays are generally where Carlton members sit. “There were four, full-on fights where people were knocked out,” one caller said on 3AW Football. “Security didn’t react quick enough so members of the public had to get in to stop these fights. “I haven’t seen it for many years. “I missed the last five minutes of the game because I was breaking up fights.” A video aired by 7 News showed footy attendees reportedly fighting in the Carlton members section, with multiple punches thrown. A fan sighted by Channel 9 had blood on his face while being questioned by Victorian Police while in handcuffs. Police officers have swooped on a man at the MCG, after separate brawls broke out among fans late in this afternoon's match. #9News pic.twitter.com/GD3ft4VnGL — Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) May 11, 2019 “Police were alerted to multiple separate altercations that broke out late in a match at the MCG this afternoon,” a police statement read. “Police and security attended immediately and prevented any further altercations. “One man was treated for minor injuries and did not wish to make a statement but police located the alleged offender and have interviewed him in relation to the alleged assault. “He has been released pending further enquiries. No further complaints have been made to police at this stage.” Carlton’s cheersquad tweeted following the ugly fights after reports Collingwood fans were sitting among the members. @MCG @AFL another week another game full of drunken abuse being hurled at our Cheersquad from opposition supporters. Security & ground staff have been asked many years in a row to help provide us with a safe place to watch the footy & yet again our complaints fall on deaf ears. — Carlton Cheersquad (@CFCCheersquad) May 11, 2019 Lots of callers flooding 3AW with reports of another MCG crowd fight. MCG has ramped up security, felt like it was making progress after too many crowd issues at AFL grounds last year. Another setback — Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) May 11, 2019 Call after call after call flooding into @3AWisfootball right now about fights between fans at the MCG today. #AFLBluesPies — Jake Bourke (@JakeBourke) May 11, 2019 The scenes come a week after a violent incident unfolded at the MCG following Melbourne and Hawthorn’s game. Channel 9 revealed disturbing footage of a man, wearing a Demons guernsey, attacking another man in a Hawthorn guernsey. The Melbourne fan punched Hawks supporter Ben Ploegmakers in the head and dragged him to the ground before people rushed in to help. Someone can be heard in the video saying: “Leave him, mate. Leave him. Leave him.” Another voice is heard saying: “He’s disabled you (expletive) idiot.”<doc-sep>
CARLTON fell narrowly short of Grand Finalists Collingwood in a captivating contest at the MCG. Given the chance to respond to the disappointment of last week, the Blues brought fight and passion in abundance to stay with the old enemy all day. In front of 69,289 people, the Blues led the Pies late in the final term, before a late Collingwood flurry saw the visitors come away with a 19-point win. Patrick Cripps once again led from the front, coming away with the Richard Pratt Medal for a best-on-ground performance. The Breakdown Q1 Breakdown: Collingwood opened its account off the boot of Jaidyn Stephenson after an inaccurate start from the Blues. Although it was the Pies who hit the scoreboard early, it was Carlton who led possession midway through the quarter. The Blues matched the Pies for inside 50s but missed their opportunities until clever shark and dribble from Charlie Curnow put them on the board. After a low-scoring first term, the Blues trailed by three points at quarter time. In the air, on the ground - it doesn't matter. Charlie got us going in the first quarter with this clever snap. #BoundByBlue #AFLBluesPies — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) May 11, 2019 Q2 Breakdown: Collingwood hit the ground running with a goal from Brodie Grundy, but a new-look Blues’ defence did well to stem the Pies momentum. Harry McKay gave the Blues the lift they needed with a a crafty goal to keep them right in the contest. From then on it was all Navy Blues, with handy goals from Michael Gibbons, Jack Silvagni and Mitch McGovern putting the Blues ahead for the first time. The old rivals responded in form to level the scores and keep Blues fans on the edge of their seats going into halftime. Cripps was at his rollicking best, notching 12 disposals in the second quarter alone. Q3 Breakdown: The Pies again broke away early with a goal from Brody Mihocek, but there was no letting up from the Blues with a response off the boot of Mitch McGovern. From then on it was a good old-fashioned arm wrestle between the two adversaries. The Blues hit the front in clearance count, and it wasn’t long before they converted that midfield dominance into attack with three quick goals to push the lead out to 11 points. But the Pies responded once more, and the margin was narrowed to five points at three-quarter time. Q4 Breakdown: As was the case all day, the Pies started the quarter with the momentum with two quick goals. The Blues battled along to no avail, until the dependable skipper took matters into his own hands with a goal to put the victory within reach. It sparked the Blues, and with 10 minutes remaining Cuningham got his second from a 50-metre penalty. Another goal from McGovern and Blues fans could dare to dream of their four points. But the Pies would not give up without a fight, and the final five goals of the game saw Collingwood confine Carlton to an agonising defeat. Moment of the match: It was a moment that had Bluebaggers daring to dream. The Pies had stormed out the gates after three-quarter time, piling on two goals to widen the margin to eight points. Wrestling back and forth, the clock looked the Blues’ enemy until Patrick Cripps stepped in. The MCG roared as he gathered, sidestepped and sailed one through to give the Blues the momentum once more. Three things we learned: With injury woes poking holes in the Blues’ backline over the last two rounds, someone had to rise to the occasion. Enter Caleb Marchbank. The tireless defender was huge with nine rebound 50s and 11 intercept possessions. Brendon Bolton implored his Blues to take a “steely resolve” into the old-fashioned grudge match. When pride was on the line, the Blues’ efforts could not be questioned. If there were concerns about the Blues tall forward line, they sure were silenced today. The McKay-McGovern-Curnow combination proved fruitful, finishing with seven goals between them, while Jack Silvagni was once again valuable in attack. Match summary: Carlton 1.4 5.6 10.8 13.9 (87) Collingwood 2.1 5.6 9.9 16.10 (106) Goals: Carlton: McGovern 3, Cuningham 2, C.Curnow 2, McKay 2, Cripps, Gibbons, Murphy, Silvagni Best: Carlton: Cripps, Kreuzer, Marchbank, Thomas, Fisher, Cuningham, Murphy