Mick Malthouse’s AFL record-breaking evening has become a nightmare, with Collingwood dismantling Carlton by 75 points.
The enormity of the task facing Malthouse in his third season as Carlton coach was rammed home at the MCG on Friday night, with his old club overwhelming the Blues 18.12 (120) to 6.9 (45).
This was Malthouse’s 715th game as a senior coach, breaking the record held for 66 years by Collingwood legend Jock McHale.
The two teams gave a grim-faced Malthouse a guard of honour at the end of the game.
There was massive respect shown before the match for Malthouse, who walked out onto the ground with his family to warm applause from the large crowd.
Collingwood president Eddie McGuire gave a moving speech at the Blues pre-match function and shook hands with Malthouse.
That important moment marked a truce between the pair after Malthouse left the Magpies in strained circumstances four years ago.
But within minutes of the game starting, it was clear Malthouse would not celebrate his outstanding milestone with a win.
Carlton were as awful, particularly in the first half, as Collingwood were ruthless and dominating.
The Blues could only manage nine uncontested marks to 47 by halftime, a glaring indication of how poorly they were working.
For all the undoubted respect that Malthouse deserves, Friday night’s performance was a real May 1 mayday for Carlton.
It will undoubtedly rekindle the speculation that had died down after last week’s win over St Kilda about how Carlton proceed with their rebuild.
Magpies skipper Scott Pendlebury starred with 32 disposals, while youngsters such as Anzac Day medallist Paul Seedsman and Adam Oxley were also outstanding in the rout.
Emphasising their domination, the ‘Pies had 15 goalkickers.
Carlton defender Sam Rowe did an admirable job on Travis Cloke, whose goalkicking yips continued with a return of 2.3.
Blues forward Lachie Henderson kicked five goals last week against St Kilda – on Friday night, he had no disposals and was subbed off in the third term with a hamstring injury.
