Blues struggle to beat determined Demons

Updated May 27, 2012 18:53:20

Carlton struggled for three quarters before overwhelming the Demons by 58 points at the MCG on Sunday.

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld has faced immense pressure after the team's winless start to the season, but his players showed plenty of fight until the Blues finally broke clear to win 15.17 (107) to 6.13 (49).

There were injury worries for both teams after the game.

Melbourne veteran forward Brad Green was taken to hospital after suffering a severe lung injury in a first quarter collision with Carlton's Josh Bootsma.

Carlton's Andrew Collins limped off in the final quarter with a suspected knee injury.

It was a tight, physical encounter for much of the match, with disposals and inside 50s more even than has been the case for Melbourne for most of the season.

The Dees led by one point at the opening break, before Carlton kicked two goals clear at half-time.

Despite expectations that Carlton would break away, Melbourne hung on to score a goal apiece, staying 16 points down - and still in with a chance - at the final change.

Carlton's superior talent finally made itself felt in the final term, as Melbourne faded.

The Blues ran away with the game, kicking seven goals to none. Eddie Betts kicked three in the last quarter to finish with five for the match.

Mitch Robinson was the best for the Blues, with 33 touches, six tackles and three goals for the game.

Carlton's Brock McLean - a former Demon - also racked up 33 possessions.

Carlton crushed the Demons 53-25 in the clearances including a 15-4 advantage in the last quarter.

Jordie McKenzie held Carlton skipper Chris Judd to nine touches in the first half and 21 for the game, while Nathan Jones also battled hard in midfield.

Mitch Clark was the lone target up forward for Melbourne, kicking three goals.

The Blues went into Sunday's game without Marc Murphy, Andrew Carrazzo, Jarrad Waite, Nick Duigan, Jeremy Laidler and late withdrawals Chris Yarran (toe) and Lachie Henderson (groin).

Both sides play next Saturday night, with Port Adelaide hosting Carlton at Football Park and Essendon at home to the Demons at the MCG.

Blues: Betts 5, Robinson 3, Walker 2, Hampson 2, Tuohy, Kreuzer, Armfield.

Demons: Clark 3, Blease, Howe, Jones

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, melbourne-3000

First posted May 27, 2012 18:16:25

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AFL determined to see Hobart matches

Posted May 25, 2011 14:43:00

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has challenged the Tasmanian Government to push through North Melbourne's proposal to play matches in Hobart.

Hawthorn already plays four games a year in Launceston, while the Kangaroos and the AFL have been in negotiations with the Government since late last year to play two home matches each year at Bellerieve Oval from 2012.

Cricket Tasmania is pushing for a quick decision, with Premier Lara Giddings expected to discuss the financially-sensitive issue in cabinet shortly.

"We support AFL football being played in Tasmania, and ultimately now it rests with the Tasmanian Government to step up to the plate," Demetriou said at the National Press Club in Canberra.

"It's where it sits and there's a new Premier there now, I think she understands that everyone is pulling in the same direction.

"I'm hoping that the Premier and the Government step up to the plate because this is like our third time we've been to see the Government about getting football played in Hobart."

Demetriou continues to see Tasmania at the most likely home for a 19th AFL club, but does not know when that will be.

The AFL has no immediate plans to add any further sides, having already expanded to 18 clubs when Greater Western Sydney joins the competition next year.

"You can never say never," Demetriou said on the prospect of a side in Tasmania.

"I guess if there's another club ever to appear as the 19th club, they (Tasmania) would appear to be the most logical place to put that club, because they're a state rich in history of AFL football.

"What timeframe that is, I don't know."

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, tas, hobart-7000, vic, melbourne-3000

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