The mongrel punt

[saynta]

Extract from 10 things learned from round 16.

2 – The Blues have conceded the first three or more goals three weeks in a row

In the last three weeks, Carlton have conceded the first six goals against the Tigers and lost, the first three goals against the Dockers and won, and now they conceded the first three goals to St Kilda and lost. They’ve also been inconsistent and unable to win two weeks in a row in the last five weeks. The inconsistency can be put down in part to their large injury list, but Friday night’s game clearly demonstrated that they were beaten by a team who simply wanted it more.

The Saints came out hard early, and the Blues took a while to get into the game. The Blues were also very inaccurate in front of goal missing some absolute sitters during the third term, and even though they managed to take the lead in the last quarter, the sheer desire of the Saints was what got them going again. They hit back and eventually ran out winners by 15 points. With the improvement of the Eagles in recent weeks, the trip to Perth next Sunday is a real danger game for Carlton, and a loss there would put their finals hopes on seriously shaky ground. Hopefully, the return of Jacob Weitering could be the spark that reignites the Blues’ season, because right now, the Blues need all the help they can get.

The Saints have now got themselves back in contention with the eight and look as though they have got themselves out of their slump, but there’s no time for complacency as they come up against the Dockers next week. Jack Sinclair continued his great season with another best-on-ground performance. The Blues forwards had no answer for his rebounding and he was always in the right place when it counted. Bradley Hill had been under the spotlight for some indifferent form, but his effort on Friday night gave plenty of headaches to the Blues coaching staff. If the Saints can knock off Freo next week, it will go a long way to securing a finals spot. Their following three games are against the Bulldogs. Eagles and Hawks. This win against the Blues may provide the springboard for their revival. Their early season form was very good. They’ll need to find it again before they play their final three games against the Cats, Lions and Swans.