Carlton delivered a dominant performance against Port Adelaide in Round 23, powered by a career-equaling seven-goal haul from star forward Harry McKay. Get the full match report, highlights, and analysis of the Blues’ 54-point triumph.
Carlton has rediscovered its winning form in emphatic fashion, dismantling a hapless Port Adelaide side by 54 points in a commanding performance at Marvel Stadium. In a round 23 clash that saw the Blues kick their highest first-half score in over two years, the team delivered a powerful and cohesive showing, led by a blistering midfield and a career-best performance from key forward Harry McKay.
The victory snaps a three-game losing streak for the Blues and serves as a significant confidence booster heading into the final stages of the season.
McKay’s Masterclass: A Forward’s Day Out
While the absence of fellow Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow would have worried some Blues fans, Harry McKay seized the opportunity to single-handedly take control of the forward line. McKay was in sublime form from the opening bounce, kicking four of his seven goals before halftime. His equal-career-high haul of seven majors was a testament to his dominance in the air and his precision in front of goal.
McKay’s performance was particularly notable given the struggles of Port Adelaide’s defence, which was missing key players like Esava Ratugolea and Miles Bergman. When his direct opponent, Aliir Aliir, was hampered by an early ankle injury, McKay capitalized fully, feasting on the unrelenting supply from Carlton’s rampant midfield. His day was capped off with a series of spectacular goals, including a Goal of the Year contender with an unbelievable one-handed snap.
A Blistering Start and a Midfield Masterclass
The final 54-point margin did not fully reflect the extent of Carlton’s dominance. The Blues came out firing, piling on six goals in the first 16 minutes of the match before Port Adelaide had even registered a score. This early blitz was fuelled by a commanding performance from the Carlton midfield, which had been reunited with the long-awaited return of star Sam Walsh.
Walsh, who had been sidelined for two months with a foot injury, showed no signs of rust. His presence, alongside a formidable Patrick Cripps and a relentless George Hewett, gave the Blues an overwhelming advantage at the clearances.
The trio combined for over 90 disposals and 21 clearances, utterly dominating the Power’s engine room and creating a continuous wave of forward entries. This midfield supremacy allowed the Blues to control the flow of the game, setting the tone for the entire match.
While Port Adelaide managed to put some late goals on the scoreboard, the damage was already done. The victory for Carlton was a complete team effort, highlighted by McKay’s individual brilliance and the collective dominance of the midfield. For Port Adelaide, the loss adds to a disappointing season, further complicating the position of coach Ken Hinkley.
But for the Blues, this win is a statement, a clear sign of what the team is capable of when all the pieces are in place.
