No sign of blues in spirited Carlton

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MITCH Wallis was an unsuspecting victim.

Before the Blues even walked on to the Etihad Stadium turf for the opening bounce last night, Carlton players were heard yelling, even screaming, from their change rooms.

With their season in damage control at 0-4, and players' careers seemingly on a knife's edge, they came out wanting to make a statement.

UNITED BLUES LIMP TO FIRST WIN

And Wallis, the Dogs' tagger who was tasked with standing under-siege captain Marc Murphy, copped a physical battering from every Carlton player who strode into the young Dog's personal space and cannoned into him in the first term.

Marc Murphy of the Blues celebrates a goal with Andrew Walker. Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

Elbows, hip and shoulders, everything to make Wallis wish he wasn't out there.

The Blues were out to protect their skipper. It was the kind of spirit that we haven't seen from Carlton throughout a torrid first month.

But, just like the players so boldly forecast on social media this week, they were united, physical, desperate and fast from the opening bounce.

Marc Murphy tackled by Mitch Wallis and Marcus Bontempelli. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

Murphy was supreme in that first half. He had 14 possessions, eight contested possessions, four clearances and two goals, including a brilliant roving effort to put the Blues six goals up, nearing the main change. As hard as the Dogs tried to peg back the lead in the second half, the damage was done.

Without Matthew Kreuzer, ruckman Robbie Warnock played a critical early role helping re-establish the missing confidence that Carlton coach Michael Malthouse has spoken about all week.

Robert Warnock pushes Will Minson under the ball. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

Remarkably at quarter time, Warnock had blitzed All-Australian ruckman Will Minson in the hit-outs 11-0.

Aside from playing a strong hand against Richmond, last season's most dominant ruckman has not had the same impact this year. It meant Tom Liberatore, who was well-held by Ed Curnow, was a non-factor with only six possessions at half time.

Minson was hampered by a sore back in the pre-season but the question will be asked at the kennel whether he wants a bit more help from, say, Tom Campbell, next weekend against Adelaide.

This week at least, the stern chats will take place at Whitten Oval, instead of Visy Park.

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