Adelaide Crows survived a scare from a valiant Carlton Blues outfit to retain their spot in the eight, with the game ending Crows 14.15.99 to Blues 14.6.90.
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For the victors Josh Jenkins equalled his personal best with five goals and eight marks in a dominate display that was pivotal to the Crows’ win.
Captain Marc Murphy was inspirational for the Blues, collecting 36 disposals and almost single-handedly got his charges over the line.
Carlton made a rampaging start to the match, clearly buoyed by their recently instated coach John Barker. They kicked the three goals of the match in the first 10 minutes, with Dennis Armfield’s goal (see below) the pick of the bunch.
Adelaide hit back with five unanswered goals in quick succession, as they began to dominate out of the middle. This snap from Charlie Cameron was an amazing effort.
Carlton’s woes were compounded when star Chris Judd had this awkward fall and was stretched off with a suspected knee injury.
This wonderful set-shot from Jenkins saw the Crows take a 14-point lead into the first break.
The second quarter was frenetic and error-riddled with three horror passages of play that typified the term.
Eddie Betts’ handball over the top to Cameron looked destined to be a goal (see below), but the small forward fluffed his lines.
Only a minute later it was Carlton’s Ed Curnow who then held his head in shame, with this shot that hit the post from five metres out.
The underdogs really should have been closer than the 19 points they found themselves behind at half-time. Lachie Henderson elected to handball to the maligned Levi Casboult and his hesitation saw this shot smothered.
Adelaide went down the other end and Jenkins completed a two-goal turnaround heading into the main break.
Carlton began the second half in a similar manner to the start of the match. Two quick-fire goals from Troy Menzel and this fine grab and goal from prized asset Matthew Kreuzer edged the Blues to within seven points.
After a Nathan Van Berlo goal for the Crows it was that man again Kreuzer who responded with another goal (see below) to keep the Blues in the contest.
Jenkins steadied the ship for Adelaide after a blistering run and goal to extend their lead back to eight points.
But again, Carlton responded through Casboult, who kicked this goal to cut the Crows’ lead to just four points at three-quarter time.
The Blues’ relentless pressure was rewarded early in the final term when this fine long-range goal from Casboult stole Carlton the lead.
The two teams then traded blows, but it was Adelaide who restored their ascendancy through this Eddie Betts mark and goal.
Carlton rallied late, but Jenkins read the play to perfection yet again and sealed the game with his fifth goal.
Next week both teams have a bye with Adelaide entering the rest period 6-4, while Carlton remain rock-bottom 1-9.
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