Playing the long game
Games were always meant to be longer this year after the AFL opted to revert to 20-minute quarters after the 16-minute experiment of the COVID-19-affected 2020 season. But this long? With defensive structures and pressure far from their zenith, both sides looking to take the game on and kicking accurately, and 50-second breaks after goals, the first half went on, and on, and on. The opening quarter went for more than 35 minutes; the second more than 34. Gut-running Saint Bradley Hill appeared to relish the return to normality, starring on Thursday night after a lean 2020.
New McDonald has some charm
In his 81-game career for Melbourne, Oscar McDonald recorded the grand totals of one goal and three hit-outs. But vying to secure a list spot at Carlton, the summer triallist would play wherever the Blues needed him. And so he has been swung forward, showing plenty too in a two-goal display which should do his chances no harm. He even pinch-hit in the ruck when Marc Pittonet was having a spell.
Loading
An overdue chance to vent
It had been a long time between drinks for men’s footy at this venue, even more so for a game here in front of spectators. Pre-season games can tend to have the feel of an exhibition game, and while this wasn’t full-bore stuff that didn’t stop the Victorian public – no longer masked or locked down – from expelling some understandably pent-up energy. The cries of “ball” were back heartily, so too the wild gesticulation when their appeals went unrewarded.
CARLTON 5.1 9.2 12.8 15.9 (99)
ST KILDA 8.1 13.5 15.8 19.11 (125)
GOALS
Carlton: Silvagni 3, Murphy 2, Fisher 2, Pittonet 2, Williams 2, McDonald 2, Saad, Cuningham
St Kilda: Lonie 4, Membrey 3, King 3, Gresham, Hill, Higgins, Battle, Butler, McKernan, Hunter, Sinclair, Ross
BEST
Carlton: Walsh, Pittonet, Silvagni, Fisher, Jones, Williams
St Kilda: Hill, Sinclair, Lonie, Clark, Gresham, Steele, McKernan, Ross
UMPIRES
Power, Meredith, Williamson, Fleer
VENUE Marvel Stadium
CROWD 10228
