Carlton actually started the first 5-10 minutes well... But never really commited themselves to any attacks and looked as though they were merely on a delicate exploring mission rather than just attacking with any haste or urgency.
Grella, however, appeared way over-psyched and found himself booked after 3 clumsy challenges in the opening period of the match. A pointless tug of the shirt inside his own box gave Wolves a penalty and their second goal of the match, and rather fortunately escaping a second yellow and marching orders.
Again, however, Anthopolous did manage to receive his marching orders for a marvelous piece of idiocy in the centre of the pitch. Having needlessly commited to-tackling-only-to-be-beaten and set up the first goal, Anthopolous again jumped in for a tackle he had rats arse hope of winning, and brought Carlton down to 10 men. Where did this guy learn to defend? Disneyland?
Colosimo did appear to be playing very well for Carlton in the first half, but was taken off shortly into the second. The boy has a fine touch of the ball, but not really defensive minded, a new position needed for this kid. From the first half, it was hard to find any Carlton player defensive minded, all appeared absent-minded, as 2 Wolves players lined-up to head in a corner and Wolves third for the night.
In the second half, a Bosnich like performance from Anastasiadas and the arrival of Cervinski did manage to stop Wolves from scoring, but the defensive SOS has been sent out! With 2 Brazilians overdue at Optus Oval, defense is the priority.
Allsopp came on for Vlahos, and whilst he did not create any miracles he at least made himself visible to onlookers, which is in stark contrast to Vlahos, who perhaps was playing hide-and-seek rather than football tonight.
Markovski looked like he had just come back from injury, Sterigious(spelling?) put in a respectable effort, and Marusic looked anything like a midfielder. The midfield position I used to know, involved the players labelled "midfielders" as running all game. Running into space, always looking for an opening, whilst in the meantime getting back and helping out in defense. NOT : Running out wide, trying to turn with the ball on the perimeter of the pitch and doing nothing else.
I recently saw a documentary on Premiership footballers and in particular Arsenal players. From that show, they stated David Platt had run 11km's in one game. I would say Marusic at best, clocked just over 1km, including walking to the dressing room at halftime and fulltime.
Alan Hunter was so-so. Good with the ball, but just a bit slow as a defender, and even appeared to get into Cervinski's way in the second half. A real defensive mis-understanding (CRISIS!) at Carlton. Putting my money where my mouth is, I will say right now, that Carlton's only hope to reach and compete in finals this season is to play Cervinski central defense and hope we get one damn good defender when these 2 Brazilians eventually f*ckin' arrive.
The Blues did manage to get one back, a great corner kick from Big John forced an own goal and a broken goal...