1. The gap between the Eagles' best and worst is a yawning chasm that has been an issue for a chunk of the season. We saw the extremes of the team’s personality in two quarters – the first when they simply could not get their hands on the ball and the second when they piled on seven goals to get back into the game. At their worst they managed just two forward 50 entries in the first stanza and did not score while at their best they were irresistible.
2. The lop-sided inside 50 count in the first quarter (2-24) was a large reason for the imbalance in the game. Carlton led that statistic 70-34 by game’s end and it was little wonder the result was a 10-goal landslide. Down by 17 points at three-quarter time and still in the hunt all hope evaporated when the Blues owned possession and field position in the last quarter as well. They rattled on another seven goals while the Eagles were again scoreless after the Blues enjoyed a 20-4 lead in attacking arc penetration.
3. While the loss was flattening, one of the highlights was again the performance of veteran Josh Kennedy. The champion forward achieved another significant milestone with his 700th goal for the club. He has been a remarkable player since his arrival in 2008 and finished with two goals despite the limited opportunities. It appeared he had achieved the milestone goal with a snap around the body in the second term before it was over-ruled on review, but there was no doubt when he converted a set shot in the third quarter.
4. Another of the club’s veterans, games record holder Shannon Hurn, continues to produce on a consistent basis. The 314-game defender played with his usual calm and composed manner to be among the Eagles’ best. His presence down back is also offering strong guidance to rookies Rhett Bazzo and Brady Hough. Hurn had 28 possessions and 10 marks, five of which were intercepts, in another quality performance.
5. The Eagles were generally out-pointed around the ball, with the Carlton midfield machine winning the battle around the contest. The Blues won the clearances 47 to 31 with Patrick Cripps, Matthew Kennedy, George Hewitt and Sam Walsh having a strong influence in that respect. The indefatigable Andrew Gaff was the leading clearance winner for the Eagles with six and also topped the possession count at 30.
