Carlton’s hopes for the 2025 AFL season are already on life support after suffering a fourth consecutive defeat, falling to arch-rival Collingwood by 17 points at a rain-soaked MCG on Thursday night.
With 82,058 spectators braving wet conditions for the 267th meeting between these historic Victorian clubs and the 30th annual Peter Mac Cup, Carlton initially looked poised to break their winless streak. Yet, despite another promising start and half-time lead, the Blues were comprehensively outclassed in the second half, ultimately succumbing 8.15 (63) to 6.10 (46).
Schultz and Sidebottom lead Magpies’ dominance
Lachie Schultz earned the Richard Pratt Medal for his standout performance, consistently producing decisive plays in one of his strongest outings since joining Collingwood from Fremantle in 2023. Veteran Steele Sidebottom and the dynamic Daicos brothers also impressed, while Darcy Cameron overcame Carlton’s Tom De Koning in the ruck and captain Darcy Moore excelled in defense.
Carlton’s repeated second-half collapse
Carlton’s troubling trend of second-half collapses continued. After scoring just eight total goals in their previous three matches, the Blues managed only two majors after half-time on Thursday. Coach Michael Voss faces mounting pressure, with Carlton’s defensive woes becoming glaringly apparent—having conceded 29.20 in the second halves of games this season.
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History is against Carlton, with only seven teams in AFL/VFL history rebounding from an 0-4 start to reach the finals. The club must swiftly address their issues or risk another lost year.
Magpies rally after sluggish start
Carlton jumped to an early lead courtesy of goals from Ollie Hollands and Patrick Cripps, igniting hopes among the Blues faithful. Collingwood responded swiftly, levelling the scores before a minor melee erupted at quarter-time.
Despite difficult conditions, Collingwood gradually took control in a scrappy second quarter. Jordan De Goey eventually broke the deadlock in the third term, with Lachie Schultz kicking two crucial goals soon after, effectively ending Carlton’s resistance.
Discipline and injury woes for Carlton
Compounding Carlton’s on-field struggles, defender Lachie Cowan exited early with a hamstring injury, forcing an early substitution with Ashton Moir coming into play. Additionally, Collingwood’s star recruit Dan Houston faces scrutiny from the Match Review Officer after a high bump on Lachie Fogarty in the second quarter, potentially facing suspension.
Magpies building momentum
Collingwood, now 3-1, appear well-positioned heading into tough interstate clashes against Adelaide and Brisbane. Jordan De Goey, after battling injuries last year, showed flashes of brilliance before being rested at three-quarter-time with the game comfortably in hand.
Final Score:
COLLINGWOOD: 3.2 3.7 7.13 8.15 (63)
CARLTON: 3.5 4.5 4.6 6.10 (46)
Goals:
Collingwood: De Goey 2, Schultz 2, Long, Maynard, Membrey, Perryman
Carlton: Hewett 2, Hollands 2, Cripps, Curnow
Best Players:
Collingwood: Cameron, Schultz, Sidebottom, J. Daicos, N. Daicos, Moore, Pendlebury
Carlton: Hewett, Walsh, Docherty, De Koning
Injuries:
Carlton: Cowan (hamstring)
Substitutes:
Collingwood: Ned Long (replaced Jordan De Goey at three-quarter time)
Carlton: Ashton Moir (replaced Lachie Cowan in the first quarter)
Crowd: 82,058 at the MCG
