Fiery fight erupts as Carlton book miracle wildcard spot
Carlton has officially secured its place in a blockbuster wildcard playoff against Collingwood after surviving a dramatic draw with the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.
Both teams finished deadlocked at 12.10 (82) - 12.10 (82) in a tense showdown at Marvel Stadium, but the final scoreboard only told half the story.
The two sides tangled after the half-time siren. Quinn Rooney
Tempers flared at the stroke of half-time, as chaos erupted after Carlton’s Harry Dean clumsily caught Arty Jones high in an attempted tackle.
As the umpire called play on, Dean proceeded to wrestle the Bulldogs player to the turf and yelled some choice words, setting the field alight with an all-out melee.
Players from both sides rushed in for an all-out brawl as both sides came to the aid of their teammates, Rory Lobb and Will Hayward engaging in their own shouting match.
The two were spotted still trading barbs from afar as the teams finally separated and retreated down their respective tunnels.
This result marks the second draw in less than 24 hours, following Hawthorn and Collingwood’s own deadlock at the MCG on Friday.
The two points collected in the draw put Carlton six points ahead of St Kilda and the Giants, ending their finals hopes.
It also means that the Blues are certain to play finals regardless of next week’s result.
Interim coach Josh Fraser has been the catalyst of the unlikely run to the finals for Carlton, and said the last 13 weeks with the club have been “incredible”.
“It’s the 23 who represent the club today, but it’s the entire playing list and their willingness and want to grow and improve certain parts of our game and drive standards [is impressive] – it’s been an incredible 13 weeks at this point,” Fraser said.
“There’s a lot more work in front of us, but I think the players deserve an enormous amount of credit for the resilience they’ve shown, and the appetite to want to keep getting better.”
Fraser has already announced his desire to enter the race to officially take over the full-time position at the helm of the Blues for next season and this result will only help the 44-year-old’s chances.
When Michael Voss left the club and Fraser took over in May, Carlton was one win from nine matches and now the team has 10 wins and a draw from 13 matches.
With their wildcard ticket now punched, the Blues only have the minor premiers Fremantle to face next Saturday afternoon before they meet them Pies in the wildcard playoff.
