Carlton is no longer the AFL’s biggest laughing stock

Carlton fans are rejoicing after the Blues did something not seen in a decade by condemning the Western Bulldogs to another defeat.

Is Carlton the real deal? Photo by Michael Klein

Carlton has been the laughing stock of the AFL for nearly a decade but dare we say it, Blues fans may finally have reason to dream.

Desperate to make a first finals appearance since 2013, Patrick Cripps led the way as Carlton beat the Western Bulldogs 16.6 (102) to 13.12 (90) on Thursday night.

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It’s more misery for Luke Beveridge and Co. The Dogs coach was condemned for his attack on a journalist after losing the season-opener to Melbourne and a second straight defeat to kick off 2022 won’t do anything to improve his mood.

Carlton dominated the first half as Cripps stuffed the stat sheet, racking up disposals and goals at will. He had 22 touches by halftime as he bullied the Dogs in midfield.

It was a navy wave across the first two quarters but the Bulldogs showed plenty of resolve after the main break, closing the gap as they pushed to secure their first win of the year.

The 2021 grand finalists put far more pressure on the Blues in the third quarter and dragged things back to be behind by 18 at the final change. At the same time, Carlton’s pressure in the forward half that worked so well for them early in the game dropped off considerably.

In years gone by, Carlton could so easily have been overrun. But under new coach Michael Voss, the Blues are proving they’ve got far more backbone, surviving a late flutter to hold on for a 12-point victory.

It’s the first time since 2012 Carlton has won its first two games of the season, giving supporters the perfect excuse to be optimistic about the season ahead.

Baggers!!!! LID OFF 🤣🤣

On a serious note … it is bloody good to see the Blues playing exciting footy.

AND how good to see Charlie Curnow firing 💪🏼 #AFLDogsBlues

— Nat Edwards (@Nat_Edwards) March 24, 2022

How much are grand final tickets pls @CarltonFC? Asking for 75,000 friends. #AFLDogsBlues

— Theo Doropoulos (@TheoDrop) March 24, 2022

LID’S OFFFFFFFF (if you’re a Blues supporter I guess…) #AFLDogsBlues

— Steph Chiocci (@Steph_Chiocci) March 24, 2022

Wait. So Carlton are good now? #AFLDogsBlues

— David Lewis (@dlewis89) March 24, 2022

Charlie Curnow was sensational with five majors while Cripps ended the clash with 35 disposals and two goals, coming in for special praise.

“There’s nothing he can’t do right now, he’s hit the season hot,” Gerard Whateley said in commentary for SEN.

St Kilda legend Nick Dal Santo added: “What a delight it is to watch Patrick Cripps free and able to move when he wants.”

P.Cripps on some sort of level this year 😮🔥

— Travis Boak (@travisboak10) March 24, 2022

Originally published as Carlton is no longer the AFL’s biggest laughing stock