The Serve

Carlton scares Port

It’s now a familiar tale. The Blues manfully compete with their more talented opponents for three quarters, before fading away with the game for the taking.

Whilst last weeks loss to Collingwood raised eyebrows and questioned the validity of the priority pick draft system, today was unquestionably beyond reproach. The Blues trailed 59-17 late in the second term, before a stunning burst had them ahead 80-77 at three quarter time. Brendan Fevola, goalless in the first half, kicked all four of his goals in the third term.

Dominic Cassisi’s goal in the first minute of the final quarter handed Port the lead back for good, as Carlton’s legs again failed them at the death. Justin Westhoff finished with four goals, as Port move to third on the ladder. The missed opportunity of not blowing the Blues out of the water may prove costly, with Power level with Hawthorn on 12 wins and the Hawks ahead of Port Adelaide by a mere two percentage points.