Carlton takes its chances in front of goal to upset Essendon at a wet, slippery MCG

SEEMINGLY destined for a third successive defeat, Carlton finally grabbed its chances in front of goal to deservedly exult in a fabulous win over Essendon.

LEO SCHLINK

2 min read

April 9, 2017 - 7:22PM

Ed Curnow is ecstatic after his last-quarter goal. Picture: AAP

AFL News

Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News.

CHANCE is the most precious commodity in football. Take it and succeed. Squander it and perish.

When Carlton failed to convert opportunities in a deflating opening-round loss to Richmond, the future of Brendon Bolton’s rebuild was rigorously questioned.

Unease over the Blues’ short-term future deepened after a 23-point defeat to Melbourne as Carlton again failed to take full advantage of precious openings.

As a theme, inability to convert had become chronically frustrating for a young outfit.

Not any more.

Seemingly destined for a third successive defeat, the Blues finally collided with — and took — their chances to deservedly exult in a fabulous win over previously unbeaten Essendon.

Carlton players rejoice after their upset win over Essendon. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

It would be folly to suggest Carlton executed at maximum efficiency — far from it — but the sight of drenched Blues’ supporters lining the MCG fence in gratitude indicated what success meant at Royal Parade.

This was a triumph built on grit and heart in a battle of hand-to-hand AFL combat.

Of all the contrived sophistry in sport, marginal gains is among the most dubious.

Stripped bare, it relates to one-percenters in AFL terms.

Like the 11 Sam Rowe delivered.

On miserably damp afternoons like these, courage and commitment count for far more than subtlety.

Saturated after lashings of rain, the ‘G was more like a skating rink, meaning the gap separating John Worsfold and Brendan Bolton game styles would be largely redundant.

It was a contest of contrasting philosophy — Carlton’s opting for short options before isolating targets, while the Bombers preferred the corridor as they sought to minimise risk with longer kicking.

By halftime, the Blues led the short kick count 52-22 and the mark tally 59-25 but had only a one-point lead to show for their endeavours.

The Blues threatened repeatedly in the third quarter but, as it had from the first bounce, the contest rested on a knife’s edge.

As the elements condemned a willing contest to strings of clangers — and unfortunate head knocks — there was always a sense of inevitability about what Marc Murphy would bring.

Apart from 32 disposals, Murphy’s stunning checkside snap from deep in the Punt Road pocket was the spark that ignited the Blues against relentless opposition.

Marc Murphy inspired the Blues to victory. Picture: Michael Klein

In a match where short-range set shots were missed with unsurprising repetition because of the slippery conditions, Murphy’s effort surely is worthy of goal of the year consideration.

The skipper had plenty of allies — some more permanent than others — as Carlton outperformed the Bombers in key areas.

The Blues won contested possession 160-158, tackles 111-97 and inside 50s 60-37. In a slog.

In a match where territory was everything, Carlton’s defence was immense.

Led by Rowe and Simon White, the Blues were stubborn and resilient in the back half despite the efforts of Dyson Heppell, Jobe Watson and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti.

And in the end men such as Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Matthew Kreuzer, Ed Curnow and others took their chances when it mattered most.