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Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AMThursday Fallout: Rash runs riot on Jekyll & Hyde Blues
SEN • April 10th, 2026 9:01 am
Not many expected Carlton to beat the Crows in Adelaide to open Gather Round.
But when the two teams gathered at their quarter-time huddles after a 13-goal first term - seven of which came from players in navy blue - perhaps the Blues were daring to dream.
Carlton’s Dr Jekyll opening quarter was only followed by a Mr Hyde second stanza. Their best and worst has closely preceded each other frequently under Michael Voss. It happened to be the case yet again.
After forcing six clearances in the first term, captain Patrick Cripps was inexplicably benched for the first portion of the second. During that time the Crows kicked three goals in a row amid six unanswered.
Cripps didn’t have a second-quarter clearance as his Blues were battered around the ball. Carlton led clearances 17-9 at the first break before the Crows hit back 15-7 in the second to take control.
Sam Walsh was excellent in the opening term. 15 disposals, nine score involvements and four inside 50s. In the next two terms combined he had six touches, zero score involvements and zero inside 50s. He came alive again in the fourth but the damage was done.
After a first-quarter blitz, Carlton’s momentum was arrested, energy sapped and heads hung low. Game over, essentially, as the Crows held them at arm’s length.
There were signs of life late but it was all academic.
There remains an enormous bridge that sits between Carlton's best footy and their worst. How do they climb that? No doubt it’s what keeps Vossy up at night.
Let’s not discount the Crows though.
Josh Rachele has been threatening to produce something like this for some time. 26 disposals, 13 contested possessions, seven score involvements, six clearances (three from the centre), six inside 50s, five tackles, and four ripping first-half goals.
He loves the Gather Round limelight.
Annual Carlton killer Ben Keays also did the business with three majors, making it 14 in five against the Baggers.
Matty Nicks’ Crows are now 2-3 with single digit losses to the Bulldogs, Cats and Dockers - potential top six teams.
There’s plenty to work with ahead of a very nice five-week block ahead with games against St Kilda, Brisbane, Port Adelaide, Richmond and North Melbourne.
Andrew Slevison
