Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Patrick Cripps Carlton brilliance powered the Blues to a 34-point AFL win over Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, keeping caretaker coach Josh Fraser unbeaten in charge.
Carlton won 13.14 (92) to 8.10 (58), with Cripps collecting 31 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and nine score involvements in a dominant captain’s display.
The result came during another major AFL round after Scott Pendlebury AFL Record Night Made Special by Collingwood Gold Numbers, while official league updates are available through the Australian Football League website.
Cripps Sets the Tone Early
Cripps took control in the opening half, gathering 19 disposals and kicking a goal as Carlton built a match-winning 35-point lead.
The dual Brownlow Medal winner was central to a fast start, with the Blues kicking 5.0 to 2.0 in the first quarter.
Carlton’s early work around the ball gave Port Adelaide little room to settle.
Even after losing utility Matt Carroll to a knee injury, the Blues kept their structure and pressure intact.
Blues Midfield Overruns Power
George Hewett, Sam Walsh and Jagga Smith gave Carlton strong support around the contest.
Hewett finished with 26 disposals and one goal, Walsh added 28 touches and one goal, while Smith had 27 disposals.
Mitch McGovern, Will Hayward and Brodie Kemp kicked two goals each as Carlton improved to three wins and eight losses.
Hayward also had 19 possessions, while Ollie Florent was busy with 26 touches.
Port Adelaide Fall Flat
Port Adelaide struggled to match Carlton’s speed and midfield pressure on Zak Butters’ 150th AFL game.
Butters had 28 disposals but was moved to half-back late in the third quarter, while Ollie Wines managed just five disposals.
Jason Horne-Francis was Port Adelaide’s clear standout, finishing with 32 disposals, three goals and eight clearances.
Port Adelaide cut the margin slightly in the third term and Todd Marshall kicked the first goal of the final quarter, but Carlton answered with three straight goals to shut down any comeback hopes.