Carlton snaps losing streak with gritty win over Melbourne
It may have felt like the Blues had forgotten how to win, but they stood tall despite a stern test from Melbourne – with Steven May likely to face heavy scrutiny over a big bump.
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It was a win that was perhaps as satisfying as it was frustrating for Carlton supporters.
The Blues snapped its form slump by edging Melbourne out in a familiar arm wrestle at the MCG on Saturday night.
As they’ve done repeatedly this year, the Blues earned a halftime lead but handed it back by conceding four quick goals halfway through the third term.
Although unlike each of Carlton’s first four losses of 2024 – which followed a similar storyline – the Blues maturely and methodically responded.
Kysaiah Pickett giving Melbourne the lead with his fourth goal loomed as this edition’s turning point in another Blues blunder.
But a lift at centre bounce, a pep in the step of its forwards and a desire to move the ball quickly was the foundation of a Carlton steady answer.
The Dees challenged once more late through the brilliance of Pickett – but yet again the Blues stood tall.
While the win eases the pressure on Carlton and coach Michael Voss – its fans would have left the MCG asking where that type of sturdy response was earlier in the season.
MAYDAY
Melbourne defender Steven May could face a lengthy stint on the sidelines after he collected Carlton forward Francis Evans high on Saturday night.
Both players were v-lining the ball at speed during an intense third quarter when May met Evans with his shoulder.
Evans left the ground covered in blood and was swiftly substituted out of the game with concussion.
May went to the interchange to a chorus of boos from the Carlton supporters to have his shoulder checked but he returned uninjured.
A KOZI CLASSIC
He made it look far too easy.
Melbourne superstar Kysaiah Pickett ticked off a pair of MCG pockets in an electric start to the second half.
Pickett kicked a brace of magical goals from either pocket at the Punt Rd end to erode then snatch Carlton’s main break buffer.
After winning a free kick about 40 metres out on the right side for a right footer, the excitement machine had to hit the snap perfectly and he did.
He then curved through a banana from the opposing pocket just a handful of minutes later to give the Dees the lead.
CHARLIE IS BACK
The brilliant Blue wasn’t letting the drought last another minute.
Carlton spearhead Charlie Curnow broke his goalless month within 36 seconds of his side’s clash with Melbourne.
The dual Coleman Medal winner had gone 35 days without a major but was quick to snap truly in congestion.
He added to his total shortly after the opening goal with a characteristically athletic mark and goal on Melbourne defender Steven May.
Curnow went back and coolly kicked the sealer late in the fourth to put an exclamation mark on a return to form.
Originally published as Carlton snaps losing streak with gritty win over Melbourne
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