AFL Round 19 Carlton v West Coast: All the news, action and fallout as Charlie Curnow kicks 10

Charlie Curnow dominated at Marvel Stadium, but a huge injury blow may have stolen the spotlight as all eyes turn to the health of Carlton’s stars for Friday’s blockbuster against the Pies.

Carlton will be sweating on the scans of a trio of its stars as it prepares for a mouth-watering blockbuster clash with arch-rival Collingwood at a packed MCG next Friday night.

The in-form Blues have won five in a row – all by over 50 points - after their demolition of lowly West Coast at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

Although, the win came at a high cost with Sam Walsh (hamstring), Jack Silvagni (jarred knee) and Jesse Motlop (calf) all casualties on a day of carnage for the Blues.

Blues coach Michael Voss said he was not yet aware of the extent of the damage caused on a topsy-turvy day for the club.

“We’re hoping they’re all minor, that’s what we’re hoping, but we’ll still wait until Monday to learn what the damage is,” Voss said.

“Mots, we’ll look at his calf as to why he wasn’t able to go back on the ground.

“Walshy’s is obviously a hamstring so we’ll have to manage that.

“SOS as well with a knee, so we’ll get them scanned.

“There’s no early indication around what that looks like, but we’re hopeful they’re all on the very minor end.”

Walsh left the ground in the second quarter and did not return. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The plus side for Carlton is Brownlow Medallist and skipper Patrick Cripps, Adam Cerra and Jack Martin “should all be OK” to face the ladder-leading Magpies.

Voss said former teammate Craig McRae’s Magpies would face a Blues side in much different nick to the one they defeated back in Round 10.

“We are (in different nick), we’ve had some small adjustments to our game so we look somewhat different to that version,” he said.

“We’re aware of the challenge ahead of us, they’re a pretty good side and they’ve been able to do it for a fairly big period of time now with some element of consistency, so we know what we’ve got ahead of us.

“There’s a massive challenge but we’re really looking forward to it and feel like we’re in really good shape and with a clear identity about what we’re going to bring.”

The Blues expect their skipper to return for the blockbuster against the Pies. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Alex Cincotta was on the receiving end of a nasty sling tackle by Eagle Sam Petrevski-Seton, but was able to return after passing his concussion protocol.

“Well, he came back on,” Voss said.

“But with all these protocols we need to have, there are obviously further checkpoints we’ll need to have throughout the week just to make sure the follow up is there.”

Voss praised spearhead Charlie Curnow for his 10-goal haul, which was the first time a Carlton player had kicked 10 this century.

“Even as a coach I clapped it, so it must have been OK,” he said.

“He certainly had a day out.”

MATCH REPORT: BLUES SMASH HAPLESS EAGLES

Carlton has primed itself for a red-hot crack at ladder-leading Collingwood next Friday night with a brutal demolition of a diabolical West Coast at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

The Blues powered to their fifth successive win, with Charlie Curnow dominating with a career-best 10 goals on the way to a 21.14 (140) to 10.9 (69) victory.

He became just the seventh player to kick 10 goals under the roof since the stadium’s opening in 2000 and the first Blue since Stephen Kernahan in 1995.

Carlton dominated the first term, and then cruised to a big win, but it did come at a high cost with star Sam Walsh (hamstring), Jack Silvagni (jarred knee) and Jesse Motlop (calf) also failing to play out the game.

Sam Walsh and Jack Silvagni were injured on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

For the Eagles, it was yet another uncompetitive performance in what is shaping as one of the worst seasons from an AFL club in decades.

It was clear from the opening seconds that this was set for a massacre.

The Blues had four goals on the board inside the first 10 minutes, had nine for the term and led by 57 points at the first change.

Carlton’s 9.5 (59) score in the opening term was the fourth-highest first quarter in the club’s long history.

The Eagles were better in the second term but still trailed by a whopping 82-points at the main break.

It was the second highest half-time score West Coast has conceded in the club’s proud history.

West Coast was better in the second half and were able to stem the tide after being shell shocked early on.

Charlie Curnow booted 10 goals against the hapless Eagles. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Curnow now holds a comfortable lead in the Coleman Medal race. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Call me Charlie Coleman

Charlie Curnow may have just sealed his second successive Coleman Medal.

The Blues spearhead was insatiable, with a staggering seven goals to half-time, before finishing with 10.

He now has 61 goals to be leading the second-placed Taylor Walker on 50 goals.

In the absence of key defenders Jeremy McGovern and now Tom Barrass, young Brady Hough was thrown to the wolves early.

Oscar Allen was switched to Curnow after quarter-time and did his best to curtail Curnow amid an avalanche of Carlton inside 50 entries.

Curnow brought up his 10th goal for the first time in his career in the final term with a bouncing snap goal, much to the delight of Blues fans.

"He's in Blue heaven!"

Curnow bags a career-high 10 goals - and Crippa loved it! 👏

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— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) July 22, 2023

Sam Docherty was also prolific. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

History for the Blues

Who would have thought this just over a month ago?

The Blues have now won five consecutive games by 50 or more points.

Only two other teams in VFL/AFL history have claimed five successive wins by 50 or more points.

It’s been a stunning season turnaround after a horrendous start to the season.

Now bring on the Pies next Friday night at a packed MCG.

More injury worries for the eagles

As if things were not bad enough for West Coast on all fronts.

It got even worse before the bounce when it was revealed important defender Tom Barrass would be a late withdrawal due to a shoulder complaint.

Then the Eagles lost skipper Luke Shuey to a hamstring injury during the second quarter, which could mean curtains for his season.

Originally published as AFL Round 19 Carlton v West Coast: All the news, action and fallout as Charlie Curnow kicks 10