After eight weeks of hardship and misery in season 2018, along with 267 days without a victory, Carlton has at last found themselves on the winners list after defeating an underwhelming Essendon by 13 points at the MCG.
The Blues' magnificent defence and ball movement through the midfield proved to be their winning attribute, with the Dons unable to find an answer to fight back.
Essendon's inability to convert majors, smoothly transition the ball up the ground and inability to win a third quarter ultimately proved to be costly as they slumped to 2-6 for the season.
Both young and old heads combined in the Blues' maiden victory, with Patrick Cripps (27 disposals), Ed Curnow (24) and Kade Simpson (28) putting their skills to great effect, while the returning Charlie Curnow was impressive up forward with three goals.
With both sides wanting to capture a win, it was Carlton who came out flying at the MCG, with Darcy Lang kicking off the match with the first major of the term.
But the Blues' early domination of the ball didn't deter the Bombers as they quickly kicked into gear, responding with goals to Conor McKenna and Shaun McKernan.
Although the two teams started the term strong, contesting and working the ball efficiently up the ground, silly mistakes made by Essendon allowed the young Blues to capitalise with three consecutive goals.
But thanks to the outstanding efforts of Patrick Ambrose, who kicked a goal on the siren, Essendon were able to reduce the margin and head into the second term only five points down.
The Bombers came out firing in the initial stages of the second term, but struggled once again to capitalise on the board.
Poor in converting majors in the second term, Essendon let their chances go begging with an underwhelming 2.7 term.
It was the efforts of David Zaharakis in Essendon’s forward half which gifted the Bombers one of their two majors for the quarter, giving them an early, albeit short-lived lead.
The Blues refused to let their opposition's advantage last long, quickly responding with a goal of their own to the returning Charlie Curnow.
Cripps and Simpson once again were dominating forces within the Blues' midfield, preventing the Bombers from smoothly transitioning the ball up the ground.
But a goal against the flow from skipper Dyson Heppell breathed life back into the Dons, bringing scores level and keeping their hopes of a much-needed win alive heading into the second half one point in front.
Determined to extend their lead and win the third quarter for the first time in season 2018, the Bombers opened the second term with a goal to Zach Merrett to commence the term in the ideal fashion.
But once again silly mistakes made by Essendon allowed Charlie Curnow to score his second for the match and equalize the scores once again.
Despite some sloppy ball work from the Bombers, a quick goal by Orazio Fantasia put some confidence back in the side again placing them in front in what was quickly becoming a seesawing contest.
Carlton, adamant in securing their first victory of the year, refused to allow Essendon further the lead, again responding with an influx of goals from Lang, Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay to give them a 10-point lead heading into the final term.
Essendon entered the final term with courage and vivacity, bringing the crowd back to life with Shaun McKernan scoring a much-needed goal.
But their hope was swiftly crushed with a quick response from Carlton.
The Blues managed to keep Essendon under control, outplaying them in their defensive structure and ball movement through the center.
Simpson, Ed Curnow and Cripps proved to be integral in moving the ball through the centre and into the forward 50, and despite a last-minute surge by the Bombers, Carlton took away their first win of the season after eight rounds by 13 points.
Carlton will look to make in two in a row when they take on Melbourne at the MCG, while Essendon will look to redeem themselves against Geelong.
CARLTON 4.1 6.2 10.6 14.7 (91)
ESSENDON 3.2 5.9 7.14 10.18(78)
GOALS
Carlton: C. Curnow 3, E. Curnow 2, Lamb 2, McKay 2, Lang 2, Petrevski-Seton, Kerridge, Fisher
Essendon: Fantasia 2, McKernan 2, Merrett, McDonald-Tipungwuti, Heppell, Zaharakis, Ambrose, McKenna
BEST
Carlton: E. Curnow, C. Curnow, Cripps, Simpson, Kreuzer.
Essendon: Heppell, Zaharakis, Fantasia, McKernan, Merrett
INJURIES
Carlton: Wright (ankle)
Essendon: Nil
TALKING POINTS
1. CARLTON VICTORIOUS AT LONG LAST
After eight rounds, Carlton finally posted a win to put an end to their worst ever start to a season in the club's history.
The Blues have won two of their three past encounters with the Bombers and this was just another one to add to the growing list.
Carlton worked the ball efficiently through the centre and once they found their feet, they were able to convert and really rub salt into the wounds of Essendon.
1-7 is by no means pretty, but the Blues will be hoping this is the start of a winning streak as they take on Melbourne next week at the MCG.
2. ESSENDON'S WOES AND THIRD QUARTER SHAMBLES
While Carlton's win was undoubtedly special, the headline no doubt will be Essendon's terrible run of form, with the potential top-eight side slumping to 2-6 against arguably the weakest side in the competition.
When play began at half-time, Essendon came out with intent with Zach Merrett opening proceedings with a goal 15 seconds into the term to put the Bombers in front.
The Bombers managed to hold onto the lead for the next 19 minutes, and it seemed they were on track to finally overcome their third quarter curse for the first time for the season.
But Carlton came out firing, scoring three goals in a row to take an 11-point lead at the last change, yet the margin could have been worse, given the Blues missed some very easy set shots.
There's some work which needs to be done down at Windy Hill if the Bombers wanted to be considered as legitimate contenders.
3. UMPIRE TROUBLE FOR CURNOW BROTHERS
Young gun Charlie Curnow made a welcome return to the Carlton side - particularly in the absence of key forward Levi Casboult - and the athletic youngster reaffirmed the claims he will be one of the biggest forwards in the years to come.
Leading with three goals and nine clearances, Charlie Curnow is one to keep an eye for in the future as his talent continues to grow.
But a damper may be put on the youngster’s brilliant game with both he and his older brother, Ed Curnow, involved in separate incidents where they made contact with umpires.
Just days after Geelong star Tom Hawkins received a one-game suspension after umpire Dean Margetts, it seems reasonable that the two brothers will miss next week's clash.
4. Goddard Roasted by Lamb
Brendon Goddard was under fire early against the Blues, with the veteran copping a hard tag from Jed Lamb, who returned to the Carlton line-up much to Goddard's exasperation.
Lamb subject Goddard to consistent nudging, pushing, niggling and at one stage ruffled the Bomber’s hair to rile him up further.
Adding further sting, Lamb by quarter-time had seven possessions, a goal and one score assist, while Goddard had only four touches.
With the Bomber leader spending the first seven minutes of the second term on the bench, when Goddard eventually returned to the field, he still failed to have significant impact.
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