AFL wildcard RECAP: Blues comeback stuns Demons as fairytale remains alive
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Blues keep stunning fairytale alive
The fairytale Carlton run remains alive after the Blues staged an epic comeback to knock Melbourne out of AFL premiership contention in a Saturday night thriller.
More than 91,000 fans packed the MCG to watch the second ever wildcard game, and they were treated to a belter of a contest between two Melbourne clubs.
Next week’s schedule is now locked in, too.
Smith reacts to incredible win
Blues young gun Jagga Smith can’t wipe the smile off his face.
He had 29 touches and two goals in the comeback victory.
“It’s a remarkable feeling,” he says on Fox Footy.
“This place was going off, the pressure was high. That was unbelievable.
“It’s a pretty good feeling, when the Blues fans are loud it’s amazing.
“Not job done yet, we still have four more to win.”
Jagga Smith of the Blues celebrates a goal with teammates. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Young gun seals it for Blues!
Jagga Smith earns a free kick, kicks the goal and CARLTON WIN!
Melbourne kicked the first FOUR goals of this game and then the Blues clawed their way back, and were largely dominant late.
Smith earns a free kick and slots the set shot to ice it.
“We’ve got a new, young king on the rise,” Dwayne Russell says of the rising star.
Jack Riewoldt calls it “unbelievable” and Jason Dunstall says Carlton fans will “think they’re dreaming”.
The Blues will take on Geelong in next week’s final.
Jagga Smith kicked the winning goal. AFL Photos
Gawn blows up as Demons season winds down
Demons captain Max Gawn is not a happy chappy.
He gives the umpire a spray after another Carlton mark.
Jason Dunstall points out Gawn has been sparring with the umpires all night.
“Really not happy with the contact in some marking contests... but them’s the breaks,” Dunstall says.
Max Gawn sprays the umpire. Fox Footy
Fatigue sets in as Pickett misses again
This has been in intense contest from start to finish and it is starting to show in the players.
“There are a lot of tired players out there,” Jack Riewoldt says on Fox.
“You can see not a lot of movement.”
Do the Demons have enough energy to claw back the deficit now?
Jason Dunstall says the Blues backline has “taken control” now.
And as we type, Kozzy Pickett misses another goal - four misses for the superstar tonight.
Patrick Cripps of the Blues is tackled by Jack Viney of the Demons. Getty Images
McKay ‘holds the key’ in final term
Here. We. Go.
Melbourne and Carlton fighting for a spot in finals proper, one quarter to go.
Jack Riewoldt says Blues forward Harry McKay “holds the key” to this game, Jason Dunsatall reckons it is Demons forward Bailey Fritsch.
Meanwhile it looks like Kozzy Pickett is limping... hopefully he has a role to play for the Demons yet.
Blues hit the front for a second time
It’s on!
Ben Ainsworth slots a great goal on the run to put Carlton ahead for the second time tonight, just before the three-quarter time siren.
The Demons have done enough to keep their nose in front but the Blues are finishing strong at the MCG.
The 91,000 fans are off their seats.
Huge fourth quarter coming up.
Scores are tied... and tensions are high
There is fives minutes remaining in the third term.
And…
Scores are LEVEL!
Carlton kicks a behind to square it up at 7.8 (50) apiece.
This is another cracker.
Who said wildcard round was a silly idea?
And there’s a biff and all, how good.
Harry McKay of the Blues and Harrison Petty of the Demons push each other. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Insane Blues season laid bare
Remember where Carlton was only a few months ago.
Insane.
