Carlton surge halts Port’s record winning streak

Roger Vaughan | July 16, 2023

Harry McKay’s knee injury was the only blight on Carlton’s best win of the AFL season as they made an emphatic statement at Port Adelaide’s expense.

The Blues belted Port Adelaide by 50 points in the Saturday twlight game at Marvel Stadium to end the Power’s 13-game winning streak.

After their season appeared shot a month ago, the Blues are now on a four-game burst after the 18.14 (122) to 10.12 (72) win and they will end round 18 just outside the top eight.

But there will be a nervous wait on the extent of McKay’s injury after he hobbled off during the first term.

While coach Michael Voss was confident post-match that it is not a major knee problem, the Blues are also unsure exactly what damage has been done.

“He’s hobbling around in the changerooms … early diagnosis, no (not serious), but we’ll wait until we get the scans,” Voss said.

The Blues also suffered a setback just before the opening bounce when Matthew Owies was ruled out during the warmup because of a tight calf.

Enter Jesse Motlop, who was Carlton’s unlikely firestarter as he came in as the late replacement and kicked four first-half goals.

“It does that to you, doesn’t it, when you kick four in the first half. He got lots of little looks – it was pleasing for him to be able to just come in and adapt,” Voss said.

“We got on with business.

“The last few weeks, we’ve actually been playing some really good footy.

“But clearly when you’re playing against a side that’s won 13 in a row, that’s another level.”

Jack Silvagni also starred with four goals for the Blues, plus some strong work as their second ruck and in defence.

Charlie Curnow was also a shining light with a game-high 11 marks and three goals despite a strong game from Port key defender Aliir Aliir.

The Power were vulnerable, given their seven omissions featured top players such as Jason Horne-Francis and Charlie Dixon.

“They had a couple out, so maybe we also got them at the right time, but that shouldn’t take away from the performance,” Voss said.

Certainly that was no excuse from Port coach Ken Hinkley – as he had said pre-game, having so many changes should not affect how they attacked the contest.

“It wasn’t personnel, it was the way we played – and the way we played was not good enough today,” Hinkley said.

“Today we got beaten badly.”

Port also lost star onballer Zac Butters to a groin injury in the second half, while Darcy Byrne-Jones was forced out of the game because of concussion.

They now must rebound quickly for Saturday night’s home blockbuster against top side Collingwood.

Despite continued strong form from Dan Houston and Connor Rozee, the Power never looked like pegging back Carlton’s hot start to the game.

While most of the key team statistics were even – Port won the inside 50s 62-59 – Carlton dominated throughout.