ADELAIDE has kicked six unanswered final-quarter goals to steamroll Carlton by 38 points in the NAB Challenge game at Etihad Stadium on Monday night.
The Crows trailed by one point at three-quarter time, but hit the front through a goal to Shaun McKernan in the opening minute of the last term and never looked back, cruising to a 1.13.12 (99) to 0.9.7 (61) win.
Acting co-captain Patrick Dangerfield spent much of the contest playing as a deep forward, opposed to Chris Yarran, entering half-time with just five touches to his name. He lifted in the final quarter, however, kicking brilliant back-to-back goals, including the only supergoal of the match, to spark the Crows' surge to victory.
Key forwards McKernan, who started the match as a substitute, and Josh Jenkins combined to kick five second-half goals, while midfielders Matthew Wright (29 possessions, five marks and five tackles), Richard Douglas (21 possessions, four marks and 1.0) and Rory Sloane (21 possessions, seven tackles and 1.0) were influential. McKernan was particularly impressive as he hit packs strongly, recovered well at ground level and kicked truly (3.0).
In a scrappy, physical pre-season game, captain Marc Murphy (30 possessions) was at the forefront for the Blues, while Bryce Gibbs started strong before being substituted at three-quarter time.
WHAT WE LEARNED
Carlton: The Blues' final practice match, against the Western Bulldogs, takes on increased importance after the team's fourth-quarter fade out. Along with Thomas, Kade Simpson, Heath Scotland, Michael Jamison, Jeff Garlett and Matthew Kreuzer were all playing their first pre-season matches, and they fell off the pace in the final term. Carlton has 11 days to prepare for its final hit-out.
Adelaide: It's a big year for Shaun McKernan and Josh Jenkins. The two key forwards were outstanding in patches on Monday night and the Crows will be relying on them to provide strong targets while Taylor Walker is eased back. With James Podsiadly in the mix, there is a selection squeeze building in the key forward posts.
NEW FACES
Carlton:
Dale Thomas was an immediate fan favourite in navy blue, earning applause when he won his first possession after two minutes on the half-back line. Carlton's first selection at the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, Patrick Cripps, was also impressive, entering the game late in the second quarter and showing plenty of class with the ball. Former Sydney Swans forward Andrejs Everitt followed up his excellent first game for Carlton by working up the ground to finish with 19 possessions and six inside 50s.
Adelaide:
Matt Crouch backed up his impressive opening NAB Challenge effort with 15 possessions and three clearances, while James Podsiadly spent significant time in the green vest, kicking one goal and finishing with just three possessions. Cam Ellis-Yolmen has spent two seasons on the Crows' list but is yet to play a senior game That should change this year based on his gritty midfield effort against the Blues.
CARLTON 0.2.4 0.5.5 0.8.6 0.9.7 (61)
ADELAIDE 0.1.2 0.4.3 0.8.5 1.13.12 (99)
SUPERGOALS
Carlton: Nil
Adelaide: Dangerfield
GOALS
Carlton: Ellard 3, Everitt, Curnow, Scotland, Garlett, Menzel, Casboult
Adelaide: McKernan 3, Jenkins 2, Douglas, Porplyzia, Sloane, Dangerfield, Rutten, Petrenko, Otten, Podsiadly
BEST
Carlton: Murphy, Ellard, Gibbs, Thomas, Bell, Everitt
Adelaide: Wright, Jenkins, Sloane, McKernan, Jaensch, Jacobs
INJURIES
Carlton: Nil
Adelaide: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Carlton: Cripps replaced McLean in the second quarter; Scotland replaced Waite in the third quarter; McLean replaced Gibbs at three-quarter time
Adelaide: McKernan replaced Jenkins in the second quarter; Petrenko replaced Podsiadly in the second quarter; Lyons replaced Douglas at three-quarter time
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Hosking, Kamolins, McPhee, Orr
Official crowd: TBC at Etihad Stadium
