AFL 2018: Carlton celebrates three wins on same day for first time as AFL, VFL and VFL Women’s teams salute

WHO said it was tough being a Carlton supporter? For the first time in the club’s history, it experienced three wins on the same day on Saturday.

Blues players celebrate as they walk off the field folllowing the Round 19 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Carlton Blues at Metricon Stadium at Carrara on the Gold Coast, Saturday, July 28, 2018. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

WHO said it was tough being a Carlton supporter?

The Blues enjoyed a triple treat of victories for the first time in the club’s history on the same day as their AFL, VFL and VFL Women’s sides triumphed.

The VFLW side started the party with a 41-point victory over Richmond on Saturday, producing a 7.10 (52) to 1.5 (11) win at Princes Park.

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Darcy Vescio and skipper Kristi Harvey were the multiple goalkickers as Carlton claimed its fourth win of 2018 to move into the top eight.

Two goals in 30 seconds to Schultz and Hosking sees the #VFLWBlues with a big lead. It’s 26-1 at the first change. #SwisseVFLW

— Cristian Filippo (@C_Filippo23) July 28, 2018

Chasing consecutive wins for the first time this year, Northern Blues hammered Frankston by 83 points in the VFL to make it two from two.

The Blues kicked 10 goals to two after halftime in an 18.15 (123) to 6.4 (40) win over the Dolphins, with former Port Adelaide forward Jesse Palmer best afield.

Signing off from Ikon Park in style for 2018! ✍️ 🎶 #Northbound #PJVFL pic.twitter.com/ykanrAB6wF

— Northern Blues FC (@NBluesFC) July 28, 2018

It was the club’s biggest winning margin for three years and its best score of 2018.

Senior-listed midfielder Nick Graham was his usual prolific self in the state league with 37 disposals, while Pat Kerr kicked four goals and Palmer, Levi Casboult and Jean-Luc Velissaris contributed three apiece.

“I don’t know how long it has been since we have had a couple of wins on the same weekend,” VFL coach Josh Fraser said.

“Good reward for effort for everyone. Those little moments are pretty important for the footy club.

“For the next 24 hours, everyone will enjoy what transpired yesterday.”

On Palmer, who has kicked 24 goals from 13 games and could follow Cam O’Shea from the club’s VFL program to its AFL list, Fraser said: “He was really good. He kicked his three goals in the first quarter, but he is just such a solid player. He’s a medium-sized player and he’s hard to match up on.”

All that was needed was a Carlton win on the Gold Coast to complete a perfect day for Blues fans.

The signs were dire when the Suns slammed on three goals in the opening 12 minutes to establish an early lead.

But led by Brownlow Medal fancy Patrick Cripps (37 disposals, 11 tackles) and captain Marc Murphy (36 possessions, seven tackles), Carlton dominated the second half on its way to a 12.7 (79) to 5.14 (44) victory.

“Our whole club can smile tonight,” AFL coach Brendon Bolton said.

No. 3 draft pick Paddy Dow celebrates a goal during Carlton’s win. Picture: AFL media.

“I think ultimately, what I saw and what most saw, were glimpses of our future on display today and some strong leadership.

“It’s amazing what happens when leaders lead the way. If you have a look at Murphy, Cripps, Simpson, Ed Curnow.

“Then you see the glimpses of all the young talent we've brought in over the last few years.”

Carlton players sing the song after their win over Gold Coast. Picture: Chris Hyde.