Injuries: H.Turner replaced A.Sanger (leg) second quarter
Game Review <a href="tiki-read_article.php?articleId=133&page=1"></a>
Having played key roles in the saga of Carlton’s 1945 Grand Final victory, both Bob Chitty and Clinton Wines retired from VFL football after this typically tough encounter; a fighting win by sixth-placed Carlton over second-placed Collingwood in one of the games of the year at Princes Park. In front of a customary packed house, the Magpies broke away to lead by 32 points at the first break, but from then on the home side steadily pegged them back.
At half-time, Carlton coach Percy Bentley swapped his key forwards Ken Hands and Jim Baird, and Hands became the match winner. Ranging across half-forward or leading deep to either forward pocket, ‘Solvol’ provided a reliable marking target and kicked seven big majors – including the sealer, as the Blues piled on six goals straight in the last term to win by five points.
Although it was a great way to finish, there was no denying that the year had been a poor one for the Blues. Inconsistency had led to us missing the finals, and ruined any chance of consecutive flags.
