Port too smooth for Blues

Fox Footy crew review Carlton's break down in the 4th quarter of their round one clash with Port Adelaide

Ollie Wines amassed 11 clearances. Picture by Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

YOU wouldn't blame Mick Malthouse if he sat awake last night hacking into a premiership clock to wind it backwards.

The Carlton coach, a firm believer in the flag window, had his Blues at 11 o'clock during the week.

But after watching his side cop a last quarter bullying from Port Adelaide's rampant generation next at Etihad Stadium, Malthouse may have taken a screwdriver to the time piece.

ANOTHER FOUNDATION CLUB CRASHES

MALTHOUSE: "DISMAL" LAST QUARTER

In a game of massive momentum swings, the Power were swinging when it counted most, slamming on the first five goals of the last quarter to flip a six-point three quarter-time deficit into a convincing 33-point win — 18.12 (120) to 12.15 (87).

It was a demoralising defeat for the finals hopeful Blues, who had lead by 24 points 20 minutes into the second quarter. On this evidence, September is much further away than the five and a half months on the calendar.

Brad Ebert gets away from Kade Simpson. Picture by Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

The home side was then ripped apart by a fluid Port Adelaide propelled by young tyros Ollie Wines, Chard Wingard and Jared Polec. That trio's work was finished off, first by an unstoppable Justin Westhoff (five goals), and later by a red-hot Robbie Gray (four goals).

Watching Port is a bit like seeing a bunch of kids walking home from school. It only takes one to egg a roof and then they're all into it, fuelled by bravado and energy.

On the football field the teal enthusiasm is irresistible. Last night, when the Blues threatened to destroy one of the AFL's youngest teams, Wines and Wingard were the constants that kept them in touch.

Dale Thomas kicks his first Carlton goal. Picture by Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

But then Westhoff roared to life on Matthew Watson in the second term with four goals, Polec then caught fire out of the middle, sub Matthew Broadbent provided energy and Gray kicked three matchwinning last quarter goals.

As the Power took a vice-like grip on the contest, there was no more symbolic moment than that which occurred three minutes into the last term.

Wines and Marc Murphy stood toe-to-toe under a high ball on the wing. The Power youngster built more like a wood chopper shrugged the Carlton captain aside, ran off and drove his side forward. Was it a glimpse into the future?

Ollie Wines of the Power celebrates a goal Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

On the ropes more than once, Port ran harder, longer and used the ball to perfection when it counted. A game that was built as a flip of the coin job and was hotly contested for three quarters, was blown to smithereens in the fourth.

Ken Hinkley modestly reviews his sides win over Carlton

Port's 120 points was its highest against Carlton in nine years. It had 53 more disposals, dominated the uncontested ball, had 16 more tackles and four more inside 50s.

Carlton had its moments, but just how Port were able to get multiple run-ons — six goals across the second and third quarters and that devastating five-goal burst to open the fourth — is what will keep Malthouse and co. busy this week.

Mick Malthouse of the Blues asks for more from Bryce Gibbs Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

Ed Curnow was excellent for the Blues, keeping both Brad Ebert and Hamish Hartlett under control while helping himself to 19 disposals and two goals. For the most part Murphy was more like the Murphy of old, Bryce Gibbs was influential, David Ellard (two goals) was a surprise packet up forward and Kade Simpson was his courageous and prolific self. Zach Tuohy also deserves praise for his job on Travis Boak.

A very honest Mick Malthouse says there is no question his side were outclassed in the last quarter

And yet for all that Carlton couldn't hang on, with its prime movers were rendered mute in the last 30 minutes and a forward line that never really got going.

It had started so well, too. New boys Dale Thomas and Andrejs Everitt kicked the game's opening two goals and the Blues were buzzing with pressure and vigour.

Then came Westhoff's staggering second term. The 'Hoff' kicked two consecutive goals, was then forced from the field after being poleaxed by Andrew Walker, and then returned to bag another two for a four-goal haul at the main break,

It wasn't the knock out blow, but it allowed it to happen.

CARLTON: 12.15.87

PORT ADELAIDE: 18.12.120

SAM EDMUND'S BEST

CARLTON: Curnow, Gibbs, Simpson, Murphy, Ellard, Bell

PORT ADELAIDE: Wines, Westhoff, Gray, Polec, Cornes, Boak, Hartlett

Hamish Hartlett kicks a long goal Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

MATCH IN A MINUTE

FIRST QUARTER

The Blues jumped out of the blocks, with goals to new recruits Dale Thomas and Andrejs Everitt and David Ellard not only tagging running defender Jasper Pittard but hitting the scoreboard.

SECOND QUARTER

The Hoff puts on the Superman cape. Justin Westhoff kicks four goals for the term, including one from a 50m penalty that will see Andrew Walker draw match review panel heat for a high elbow.

THIRD QUARTER

The momentum ebbs and flows as Port Adelaide surges with four straight goals. Then Carlton flicks the switch and kicks three in a row, two of them from powerful Jarrad Waite marks.

FOURTH QUARTER

Chris Yarran kicks a surging goal then the Blues simply stop. Robbie Gray kicks three of six straight goals to surge away from the Blues. Ouch.

Jon Ralph

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