CARLTON 3.4 5.9 6.11 7.16 (58)
MELBOURNE 3.2 6.7 10.8 12.9 (81)
GOALS
Carlton: Ellard 2, Yarran 2, Murphy, Casboult, Henderson
Melbourne: Frawley 2, Dawes 2, Bail 2, Watts 2, N. Jones, Dunn, Kennedy-Harris, Pedersen
BEST
Carlton: Yarran, Curnow, Walker, Gibbs
Melbourne: Jones, Frawley, McDonald, Watts, Grimes
INJURIES
Carlton: Menzel (left thigh), Thomas (left shoulder), Jamison (shoulder)
Melbourne: Terlich (hamstring)
SUBSTITUTES
Carlton: Nick Graham replaced Troy Menzel at quarter-time.
Melbourne: Michael Evans replaced Dean Terlich in the third quarter
Carlton ruckman Robert Warnock was reported for striking Demons opponent Jake Spencer. Photo: Michael Dodge (Getty)
What happened
It looked like it was going to be one of those days for the Dees when they conceded two quick goals to begin the game with Paul Roos' men registering just one kick in the opening five minutes. However Melbourne hit back and made a wasteful Carlton pay with goals to Chris Dawes and James Frawley bringing them to within two points at the first break. Nathan Jones set the tone for the start of the second quarter when he goaled from the boundary to put the Demons ahead by five and from their they kicked away to a 17 point lead. The Blues fought back through two majors from David Ellard however as they cut the defecit to four points by half-time. One would think Mick Malthouse had some strong words for the Carlton boys during the interval but his message clearly didn't resonate with the Blues as they were held to just one goal in the third term. Melbourne surged to a 21-point lead at three quarter time and from there it was a matter of whether they could hold on. The Dees did just that, Cam Pedersen kicking the sealer as Melbourne ran out 23 point winners.
Fallout
The result represents Paul Roos' first win as Demons coach and the club's first since June 29th last year when they beat the Bulldogs by three points. Mick Malthouse will surely feel the scrutiny of his second embarrassing loss in a week with the Blues yet to post a win in 2014. In term's of injuries, Carlton could be without Daniel Menzel for at least a few weeks after the youngster was forced off the ground with a hamstring injury at quarter time. Dale Thomas was also in the hands of the trainers after hurting his shoulder in an innocuous tackle in the second quarter but he managed to come back out for the second half.
Mick Malthouse finds himslef at 0-4 for the first time in his coaching career. Photo: Michael Dodge (Getty)
Hope he's in my fantasy team
James Frawley was massive for the Dees with 24 touches to go with his 14 marks and two goals while Nathan Jones (28 touches), Daniel Cross (24 touches, eight tackles) and Rohan Bail (14 touches, 10 tackles) were also outstanding. Ed Curnow was a shining light for the Blues, ending the game with 33 disposals and 9 marks.
What's next
The Demons will feel like the weight of the world is off their shoulders now and they will be hoping to carry that feeling into their game against the Suns next Saturday. Carlton on the other hand will have to get their heads right for a clash with the Bulldogs on Sunday.