Collingwood Pummels Carlton: Another Second-Half Meltdown
Ouch. Carlton’s season is looking seriously shaky after another brutal second-half collapse against Collingwood. Four games in, and they’re still searching for their first win. They actually had a tiny lead at halftime – can you believe it? – but the Magpies absolutely exploded in the third quarter, running away with an 8.15 (63) to 6.10 (46) victory at the MCG. It was a pretty stark reminder of Collingwood’s premiership ambitions, and, well, Carlton’s increasingly dire situation.
Collingwood’s Stifling Defence
Collingwood’s win wasn’t just about putting points on the board; it was about completely shutting down Carlton’s ability to even *think* about moving the ball. Their defensive pressure was insane – over 200 tackles in that killer third quarter! – They completely choked the Blues' midfield, making stars like Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps look almost invisible. Lachie Schultz was everywhere, putting in a best-on-ground performance. Darcy Moore looked back to his brilliant best, and Darcy Cameron absolutely dominated in the ruck. Collingwood won the clearances, controlled the field position… it was just too much for Carlton to handle.
The Blues' Second-Half Curse Strikes Again
Seriously, what *is* it with Carlton and the second half? This was the fourth game in a row where they’ve blown a halftime lead. It’s a terrifying trend, and their finals hopes are looking pretty slim right now. They just couldn’t cope with the wet conditions, and as Collingwood ramped up the pressure, the turnovers piled up and their ball movement completely fell apart. It kinda felt like watching a slow-motion train wreck. Coach Michael Voss has a massive problem on his hands; he needs to fix this second-half slump, and fast, if they want any chance of salvaging their season.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the game:
| Team | Halftime Score | Final Score | Key Performance | Post-Match Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collingwood | 3.5 (23) | 8.15 (63) | Dominant third quarter, suffocating defence | Dan Houston's high bump on Lachie Fogarty (potential suspension) |
| Carlton | 4.4 (28) | 6.10 (46) | Early ball movement (that didn't last!) | Second-half collapse, inability to handle pressure |
What Lies Ahead?
Collingwood (3-1) are looking strong, while Carlton (0-4) are facing a real crisis. Their next few games against North Melbourne and West Coast are absolutely crucial. They need to win those games just to regain some confidence and avoid a complete disaster. For Collingwood, Dan Houston’s potential suspension adds a bit of uncertainty, but overall, they look like serious contenders. This game really highlighted the huge difference between two teams on very different paths.
