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An injury-riddled Port Adelaide outfit has secured a 28-point victory over Carlton at the MCG, with the Blues coming under fire for their inaccurate kicking and lackluster defence.
Carlton’s forward line missed several regulation shots in front of goal during Saturday evening’s clash, the hosts finishing with nine majors and 14 behinds.
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Despite recording 10 more inside 50s during the round five encounter, Carlton ultimately suffered a 15.6 (96) to 9.14 (68) defeat.
Meanwhile, Port Adelaide underlined their flag credentials in a win that propelled them back into the top four.
The Power’s forwards ran riot over a dour Carlton team, with Robbie Gray and Mitch Georgiades bagging three goals apiece.
Ken Hinkley’s men had not played at the MCG since July 2019, but showed they would feel at home there come September with a brilliant performance across the ground.
Ollie Wines led all comers with 32 disposals, while Sam Walsh (29 disposals, eight clearances) was again the shining light in an otherwise poor evening for the Blues.
Port’s Karl Amon was equally superb as his raking left foot sliced and diced the Blues around the MCG.
Boos echoed around the MCG at three-quarter time as the pressure on Carlton grows — their season record now stands at 2-3.
Former Fremantle star Michael Barlow told SEN: “Carlton is close to tossing in the towel, some of their efforts are borderline horrendous.”
Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes elaborated: “They’ve been in the contest, but their skill level and effort going forward has been poor.
“They’re just lacking some polish.
“Carlton has been horrible defensively — do you really want to defend and be hard to play against? Those are the questions I would want to be asking.”
Seven News reporter Andrew McCormack tweeted: “Really thought the Blues would give Port a decent crack tonight. Big opportunity missed.”
Carlton had 10 of the lowest 12 disposal-getters on the ground — the two Power players in that bottom 12 were injured duo Hamish Hartlett and Dan Houston.
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Having recovered from a back complaint that delayed his start to 2021, Mitch McGovern returned for his first taste of senior footy — and it was a mixed bag.
McGovern’s first involvement was a lovely squaring ball across the body to Jack Newnes, before spraying a shot at goal out-on-the-full in the second term.
He eventually got on the board in the third quarter — just his second goal since Round 7, 2020.
Carlton will next face the Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium, while Port Adelaide will host St Kilda.
— with NCA NewsWire
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