AFL Blues pump Lions

Carlton moved within a game of the AFL’s top eight with a 36-point win over Brisbane on Saturday night.

The Blues were only seven points ahead at halftime but enjoyed a seven-goal third term to win 17.11 (113) to Brisbane’s 10.17 (77) in front of 25,977 fans at Etihad Stadium.

Small forwards Jeff Garlett and Eddie Betts kicked three goals each for the Blues who improved their win-loss record to 10-9 with their third victory from four matches.

Andrew Carrazzo, Bryce Gibbs, Kade Simpson and half-back Heath Scotland were influential for the Blues while Jack Redden was busy for the Lions.

Brisbane (7-12) dominated possession early and led 2.6 (18) to 2.2 (14) at quarter-time.

The wasteful Lions added another 2.5 to Carlton’s 4.4 in the second term to allow the Blues to hold their seven-point advantage at the big break.

Dennis Armfield and Betts kicked two goals each for the Blues in the first half.

Both sides kicked a goal early in the third term before the Blues slammed on three majors in three minutes to Garlett, Jarrad Waite and Carrazzo to extend their advantage to 27 points at the 18-minute mark.

Betts chipped a nice pass to ruckman Matthew Kreuzer whose goal just before the three-quarter time siren put the Blues up by 46 points at the last break after a seven-goal third term to Brisbane’s one.

Ruck/forward Levi Casboult’s two-goal last quarter in his fourth game was a late highlight for the Blues who were outscored five goals to four in the last quarter.

Claye Beams, in his 10th game, was subbed on for the final term and kicked two goals for the Lions.

Brisbane skipper Jonathan Brown kicked two goals and was denied a chance for a third when sent off for the blood rule in the final term after landing heavily on his face. However the big forward, who has a history of severe facial injuries, soon returned to the field.

Brisbane host Adelaide next Saturday night at the Gabba while Carlton face an important game against finals contenders Essendon at the MCG earlier that day.

Carlton regain skipper Chris Judd from suspension next week.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!