Tom De Koning has had an eye-catching start to the season.Credit: Getty Images
It’s been an encouraging first half for Carlton, but the Bulldogs’ stand-in captain and ever-reliable midfielder Tom Liberatore produced an excellent finish on his left foot to slash the difference to 18 points at the main break.
As the Blues already know this season, the job is not done at half-time.
Charlie Curnow looks back to his best, and it’s more about how he is moving and leaping for marks rather than his three goals. Buku Khamis denied him the chance at a fourth with a superb spoil late in the second quarter.
The performance going under the radar is Lewis Young’s defensive forward role on in-form Bulldog Rory Lobb. Young’s game could have been even better if he didn’t shank a simple set shot in the second term after a strong mark.
Down the other end, Jacob Weitering continues to be hard to pass, while Adam Saad is proving his usual run. Ed Richards and Liberatore are doing everything they can to keep the Dogs in the contest, but they need far more from an out-of-sorts Aaron Naughton, Liam Jones, Sam Darcy and even Bailey Dale.
As for the ruck battle, Tom De Koning’s bid for All-Australian selection rages on with another excellent night to date opposed to Tim English.
