AFL

A devastating way for my Blues to end what has been a really tough season. Ultimately it was boys against men as Adelaide ran out 104 point winners. For the Blues, a year to forget was closed in the manner in which the majority of it was played – plagued by fundamental mistakes and a host of injuries. Unforced errors by foot compounded dropped marks, while missed shots in front of goal were punished by costly defensive slip-ups at the other end of the field. It came as Jacob Weitering (concussion) and Charlie Curnow (knee) both failed to play out the match, having left the ground within minutes of each other early in the third term. Yet, amid it all and typical of his year as a whole, Patrick Cripps fought valiantly to the very end. Playing virtually on one leg after suffering a series of knocks both throughout the game and the year, Cripps finished with 37 disposals, 24 contested possessions, 18 clearances and seven tackles – breaking the all-time contested possession record in the process. But his performance was a rare bright spot on a dark night, and a dark season, for the Blues. HERE is my final game review for the Carlton season. Thanks for your continued support - bring on 2019!