Cripps stars as injury-hit Blues crush Eagles in Perth

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Cripps stars as injury-hit Blues crush Eagles in Perth

Patrick Cripps became Captain Courageous as the star midfielder helped Carlton overcome their horror injury toll to produce a 65-point win over West Coast in Perth.

The Eagles kicked the first two goals of Sunday’s match through Jake Waterman, but Carlton piled on 13 of the next 14 majors to set up the 14.15 (99) to 4.10 (34) win in front of 48,455 fans at Optus Stadium.

Cripps was crucial in the result, tallying 21 disposals and four clearances in the first half, before finishing with 35 possessions and 10 clearances.

Defender Brodie Kemp, who had kicked just two goals in his career, starred as a makeshift forward with a game-high four goals.

The victory lifted Carlton (13-9) above Fremantle into eighth spot, meaning the Blues’ finals destiny is now back in their own hands.

A win over St Kilda at Marvel Stadium next Sunday will guarantee Carlton finals action for a second straight season.

But the win over West Coast came at a cost, with Corey Durdin dislocating his left shoulder in the third term, and Zac Williams suffering either a cramp or a hamstring strain late.

Carlton had entered the match in ninth spot and missing last week’s casualties Charlie Curnow (ankle), Harry McKay (quad), Jack Martin (hamstring), Adam Saad (hamstring), Lachie Fogarty (collarbone) and Jordan Boyd (adductor).

With Tom De Koning (foot/lung), Adam Cerra (hamstring), Orazio Fantasia (calf) and Matt Cottrell (shoulder) also on the sidelines, Carlton were forced to rush in debutants Ashton Moir and Cooper Lord as well as second-gamer Jaxon Binns as part of their inclusions.

It meant West Coast, who were aiming for their third straight win, started the game as favourites.

But the midfield heroics of Cripps and George Hewett (35 disposals), combined with Kemp’s unexpected haul in *******, ensured Carlton controlled the contest for almost the game.

And Moir made sure his debut was a memorable one when he volleyed through a goal in the final quarter after coming on as the sub.

Retiring West Coast wingman Andrew Gaff tallied 25 disposals in his 280th and final AFL match, while Harley Reid and Elliot Yeo combined for 15 clearances.

Gaff was given a guard of honour from both sides at the end of the game.

Waterman’s hot start to the match would have left Carlton fans feeling nervous, but the Blues dominated the rest of the first half with six unanswered goals to take a 31-point lead into the long break.

Cripps was involved in everything, with his power at the stoppages proving crucial as Carlton adapted well to the swirling breeze.

The Eagles were their own worst enemies, turning the ball over time and again in dangerous situations.

West Coast ******* to turn things around in the second half, with Carlton’s confidence continuing to grow on the way to the much-needed victory.

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#Cripps #stars #injuryhit #Blues #crush #Eagles #Perth

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