Source :- THE AGE NEWS
It’s quarter time, and the Blues have jumped out of the gates to lead by 27 points.
Their midfield has run rampant. Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh have 12 disposals each, Jagga Smith has 11 and George Hewett has two goals to go with his eight touches.
The Blues’ first quarter was built on their dominance at stoppage, and their pressure was strong, forcing the Eagles into errors.
Ollie Florent and Billy Wilson have cleaned up across half-back, while Mitch McGovern and Harry McKay have been threats in the Blues’ forward 50.
The Eagles need a lift from their midfield, where Harley Reid is playing a lone hand.
QT: Blues 6.5 (41) Eagles 2.2 (14)
Eagles coach Andrew McQualter should be worried.
The Blues have five on the board, they probably should have another two or three. They are controlling contest, ground balls and field position.
The lead is out to 28 points after Patrick Cripps converted with his set-shot snap from 45 metres. The Blues skipper gave a bit of lip back to Harley Reid. The two are having an entertaining duel.
Blues 6.5 (41) Eagles 2.2 (14)
The Blues are looking dangerous at stoppage. They have a fourth goal after Harry McKay took the ball out of the ruck to set up Francis Evans, who snapped truly from about 30 metres out.
The Eagles had enjoyed a promising a few minutes with goals to No.1 picks Harley Reid and Willem Duursma.
Josh Fraser will be happy with the Blues’ work at stoppage. They are +9 for clearance, and +11 for contested possessions.
After taking the best part of six minutes to kick their first goal, the Blues have three in as many minutes. George Hewett scored from close range, capping off a coast-to-coast run.
The Eagles responded immediately through Harley Reid, who broke through the front of the centre stoppage to kick a much-needed goal.
Carlton 3.1 (19) West Coast 1.1 (7)
Harry McKay kicks the first goal of the game, converting after marking a lace-out pass from Talor Byrne.
It was quickly followed by a goal out of the centre clearance to Mitch McGovern, who was given the perfect pass on the lead from Ben Ainsworth.
If the Blues make it six out of six today, they will be in the eight tonight – if Collingwood suffer a shock loss to Richmond.
A quick glance at the Blues’ run home, this game is a non-negotiable if they are to grab a wildcard berth.
They face Richmond next week followed by Hawthorn, Collingwood, Gold Coast, Brisbane, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs and Fremantle. All games are in Melbourne.
They would need to win six of their final nine to get to the 12 wins they would need to lock in a spot in the top 10.
No late changes for either side.
The Blues’ reserves team lost their VFL game against Werribee – 9.12 (66) to 8.11 (59).
Cooper Lord (28 possessions), Ollie Hollands (28 possessions) and Lachie Fogarty (27 possessions) were the Blues’ leading ball-winners in their defeat at Ikon Park.
Hello everyone, welcome to our live coverage of round 16. My name is Andrew Wu.
We start at Marvel Stadium, where Carlton are aiming to make it six out of six for interim coach Josh Fraser against West Coast. The Blues will start overwhelming favourites despite missing star defender Jacob Weitering.
We’ll then cross to the MCG for the clash between Collingwood and Richmond, before heading over to Adelaide for Showdown LX.
