Blues happy despite loss to Crows
Carlton rounded out its NAB Challenge campaign with a one-point loss to Adelaide at Visy Park on Friday
The Crows were up by as much as 15 points in the final quarter, but scores were drawn level 24 minutes in. A late behind from Simon Goodwin was effectively the match-winning play.
The final scores were 12.11 (83) to 11.16 (82), with Kurt Tippett (three goals), Taylor Walker (two) and Jared Petrenko (two) the Crows' multiple goal-kickers.
Goodwin, Nathan Bock, Graham Johncock, Myke Cook, Rory Sloane and Tippett were the side’s better players, while emerging youngster Tony Armstrong made a bright start in defence.
The Blues have lost their last seven home and away clashes against the Crows and the club was pleased to perform strongly against a side that has had the wood over it.
Ryan Houlihan (25 possessions), Andrew Carrazzo (22) and Shaun Grigg (22) were the major ball-winners, with Matthew Kreuzer and Mitch Robinson, who have had impressive pre-seasons, also among the side’s better players.
Setanta O’hAilpin (three goals), Robinson (two) and Eddie Betts (two) were the Blues multiple goal-kickers, with Bryce Gibbs, Brock McLean, Marc Murphy and Jarrad Waite also booting singles.
The Blues started slowly, but worked their way into the game and a club spokesman said they were pleased with the intensity of the hit-out ahead of a round one assignment against Richmond at the MCG.
The Crows travel to Subiaco Oval to take on Fremantle in their season opener.