'Easter miracle': AFL fans unite over epic Carlton display
AFL fans have flooded social media to congratulate Carlton on an epic drought-breaking Easter display against the Western Bulldogs.
The Blues finally joined the party in the AFL’s upset-laden season, earning their first win of 2019 with a 44-point defeat of the Bulldogs.
Patrick Cripps led the way on Sunday with a superb 36-possession game in the Blues’ breakthrough 15.11 (101) to 7.15 (57) win.
He had plenty of support, with Harry McKay (four goals), Sam Petrevski-Seton (35 disposals) and Liam Jones running the show at Marvel Stadium.
Carlton led from the first minute, increased their margin at each change and yet still there was a nervousness in the stands, given their inability to close matches out.
That dispelled as the Blues closed in on 100 points, with fans bursting into an early rendition of the club song to celebrate just their fourth win in 37 games.
The drought is over – the Blues cracked the ton thanks to Sam Walsh.
This one's on loop. Hallelujah! #AFLDogsBlues pic.twitter.com/3KrRG7Hh6O
— AFL (@AFL) April 21, 2019
Fittingly, it fell to fifth-game star and No.1 draft pick Sam Walsh – the personification of the Blues’ rebuild – to deliver their first century in 60 games, snapping home with a solitary second remaining.
The remarkable performance from the Blues sent social media into a spin, with even fans from other clubs happy to see the Blues get the win.
Amazing to finally get a win on the board, boys played well, just taking it one week at a time, credit to the other team they played well and really brought it to us but we're just happy to get the w on the board @CarltonFC #AFLDogsBlues
— DUCKVILLE (@DUCKVILLELOL) April 21, 2019
Yes @CarltonFC! 👏🏼🥳 I feel like we’ve won the grand final haha #AFLDogsBlues @AFL https://t.co/fAFF2QG4cY
— Laurise Dickson (@laurise_dickson) April 21, 2019
Epic win boys. Onwards and upwards @CarltonFC so proud of the effort this year and to get a result is great for the Club #AFLDogsBlues
— Andrew McNamara (@mcnamara_a) April 21, 2019
Even as a proud Collingwood supporter, you can’t help but feel happy for Carlton today!
This team will be playing finals sooner than we think – they have a bunch of kids that have so much potential it’s scary #AFLDogsBlues
— Nick D'Urbano (@NickDurbano_) April 21, 2019
The Easter resurrection. Go Blues! #AFLDogsBlues
— What You Talking? 🤔 (@AyalTusia) April 21, 2019
Saw quite a few Bulldogs fans clapping our boys as they left the ground. Kudos to you! #AFLDogsBlues
— Megan 🏳️🌈👍🌟 1 out of 5 stars (@FullOGlee1) April 21, 2019
Finally Carlton won and scored over 100 points for the first time for three years. I’m so happy. #AFLDogsBlues
— Ethan Wong (@beefy_wong) April 21, 2019
Not a Carlton fan, but that’s really great to see! Well deserved to finally have a good win and enjoy it👏🏼 #AFLDogsBlues
— LetThere B Tapes (@LetThereBTapes) April 21, 2019
Blues. You’re not my team but I love you guys. What a win. #AFLDogsBlues
— Katy Warner (@katywarner) April 21, 2019
Easter miracle #AFLDogsBlues #goblues0
— Qball (@qball1111) April 21, 2019
What an awesome game by Carlton, congratulations for getting the 💯 today. #AFLDogsBlues
— Jake Bozinovski 🐝⚫️⚪️ (@TheRealBozza1) April 21, 2019
Bulldogs fans made an early exit after seeing their out-of-sorts side lose a third-straight game.
The Dogs were simply never in it against a well-oiled Carlton machine.
In the middle, Cripps did the hard stuff, with followers like Petrevski-Seton, Zac Fisher, Michael Gibbons and Marc Murphy proving superb foils.
Up forward, McKay continued his rise towards becoming one of the game’s most-dominant forwards and Levi Casboult joined him with a three-goal haul.
And down back, Jones subdued the Bulldogs’ only tall option Aaron Naughton, with Lachie Plowman another star.
The nature of the triumph might just point to brighter skies ahead for Brendon Bolton and his side.
For the Bulldogs, Caleb Daniel played a fine hand in defence, and Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore combined for 16 clearances.
Tim English also toiled admirably in ruck, but there were far too many passengers in Luke Beveridge’s outfit.
The epic performance from the Blues sent social media into a spin, with even fans of other clubs happy to see the Blues get the win.
With AAP
