AFL 2023 practice matches: All the highlights from Sydney vs. Carlton
Carlton’s already-stretched defence was exposed against Sydney — and it might force Michael Voss to make a call on a player who struggled. EVERY PLAYER RATED.
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The Michael Tuck Medal for best afield in the pre-season grand final hasn’t been awarded for more than a decade, but Errol Gulden might deserve one.
The emerging Sydney star on Friday night produced one of the most dominant practice match showings in memory, vindicating the chat at the Swans that he was poised to take his game to another level this season.
Third-year Swans academy product Gulden had 26 disposals and two goals - including one effort from beyond the 50 metre arc - to half-time, ultimately finishing with 45 disposals and three goals as his side beat Carlton by 43 points in Blacktown.
After a lacklustre display against the Brisbane Lions seven days earlier this was much more like the Sydney that charged its way into the grand final last year.
The Swans beat Carlton up around the contest early in the game while playing slick transition footy on turnover.
While Gulden was the standout, Chad Warner and Luke Parker helped set the tone early as co-captain Callum Mills watched from the sidelines.
The Blues, without the injured Sam Walsh and rested Patrick Cripps, struggled to gain traction through the midfield.
CASE FOR THE DEFENCE
It was a tough night for the Blues’ backline, forced to work overtime to cope with the influx of ball from the Swans. Just how Carlton’s defence will shape up for round one remains a mystery. Mitch McGovern missed again after sitting out the match simulation against Collingwood, and while Jacob Weitering did a solid job on Lance Franklin, Lewis Young and Lachie Plowman were too often overawed.
Meanwhile draftee Lachie Cowan and supplemental selection period recruit Alex Cincotta both played substantial game time. Neither had huge numbers although Tasmanian Cowan had a handful of nice moments including a strong grab to overpower Logan McDonald. He would have to be in serious contention to fill the void left by Zac Williams when the Blues confront Richmond in the season-opener.
BLUES’ TALL TALE
The squeeze around Carlton’s talls remains a source of intrigue. It remains unclear whether Tom De Koning, Marc Pittonet and Jack Silvagni can all fit into the same side and this night provided more questions than answers. Sydney’s big men, including the returning Hayden McLean and Peter Ladhams bested the Blues’ ruck options during an evening of intermittent rain.
De Koning was very quiet in the first half but did take a couple of nice second-half grabs, issuing a reminder as to why he is one of the most sought-after out-of-contract players in the league this year.
Charlie Curnow battled hard against the tide to hit the scoreboard and will be much better for the return of Harry McKay, who was also managed from this hit-out.
Sydney’s talls setup is itself interesting. Tom Hickey will miss the start of the season through injury, but with Ladhams his obvious replacement, McLean and McDonald could again be battling for one position after the former replaced the latter for the grand final.
BLUES BEATEN UP
Carlton has prided itself on its work in the clinches under Michael Voss but the Blues’ midfield was comfortably shaded in the first half. Without the injured Sam Walsh and the resting Patrick Cripps, Carlton was well off the pace, with the likes of Gulden, Luke Parker and Chad Warner holding sway. The Swans were themselves without Callum Mills, but it mattered little as they piled on seven first-quarter majors to one.
Buddy dribbles it through! pic.twitter.com/tfqGNfFbM4
— AFL (@AFL) March 3, 2023
BUDDY BEAUTIFUL
Franklin has little to prove, particularly not in a March practice match. But in his 19th AFL season, the superstar provided one of the highlights of the night, gathering in the pocket and then dribbling through a major on the run to cap his side’s first quarter rout. This was not a vintage Franklin showing though. He looked cumbersome at times and while he will always demand attention, expectations on what he may achieve in 2023 ought be tempered.
CUNNING PLOY
Harry Cunningham was something of a forgotten man at Sydney late last season, unable to secure a spot in a strong side after an injury-interrupted year.
The no-frills Cunningham earned his reputation as a defender but deployed as a half-forward on Friday night kicked a couple of goals before half-time.
Originally published as AFL 2023 practice matches: All the highlights from Sydney vs. Carlton
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