Blues lead from siren-to-siren as the Saints plunge to their fifth loss of the season.
Carlton’s eight-goal second quarter earned them a gritty 32-point win against St Kilda tonight in the AFL.
The Blues’ 15.11 (101) to 9.15 (69) win, was their biggest of the season, led by Bryce Gibbs and Kade Simpson.
However, the win is likely to have come at a cost, with Marc Murphy’s bump on Nick Riewoldt sure to come under scrutiny.
The two captains clashed early in the third quarter, with Murphy catching Riewoldt high with his head over the ball.
Riewoldt spent much of the third term in the rooms and on the bench, but was able to play out the match, kicking four goals.
In desperate need of a win, Carlton started quickly, with Simpson and Chris Yarran putting them two goals up within two minutes, but the Blues butchered chances to end the term with 2.6 despite having more ball and territory.
At half-time though, all was forgotten.
The Blues caught fire in the second term, with three goals to Troy Menzel and two to Yarran opening up a 39-point half-time lead.
The Saints replied with two quick goals after the break but the sides looked more intent on brawling rather than scoring.
Sean Dempster and Mitch Robinson were involved in a melee during an intense third quarter, while Jack Steven needed bandages for a nasty cut.
When the steadier did come for Carlton, it was through the most unlikely of sources as Michael Jamison ghosted forward to kick just his second goal in eight seasons.
St Kilda were able to put the clamps on Carlton to avoid a second straight blowout but the Blues were never threatened on the scoreboard.
High-profile recruit Dale Thomas had another quiet night, but it did not matter to Carlton, who eased to a 46 point lead before giving up the last two.
Carlton improved their record to 3-5, going ahead of St Kilda on percentage.
COMMENTS