Carlton vs Sydney highlights, result as Blues hold on but face Jack Martin, Harry McKay concerns

Kieran Francis

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Carlton vs Sydney highlights, result as Blues hold on but face Jack Martin, Harry McKay concerns image

Carlton have held off a late charge from Sydney to win their first final in 10 years and get through to a semi-final against Melbourne next week

The Blues steamrolled the Swans early in the game and had enough composure to win 11.8 (74) to 9.14 (68) at the MCG on Friday night in front of more than 92,000 fans.

After getting out to game-high 29-point lead at half-time, it looked like a comfortable night for Carlton until the Swans kicked five goals to three in the third quarter to bring the margin back to 15 at three-quarter time.

But Sydney squandered chances in the last quarter, kicking 2.5, and Blake Acres kicked a steadying goal with two minutes to go.

Hayden McLean did kick a goal to bring the margin back to six points with 25 seconds left on the clock, but the Swans failed to get an inside 50 as Carlton closed the game out.

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Jack Martin faces AFL Match Review scrutiny

Carlton small forward Jack Martin played a crucial role in the game, kicking two goals to help the Blues over the line - but he might be missing from next week's semi final.

Early in the game, Martin caught Nick Blakey in the head with a swinging arm after the Swan disposed of the footy.

Blakey was forced from the ground but returned to play the match out.

Judging by the AFL Match Review this season, Martin could have a case to answer.

Dirty night for concussed Harry McKay

The Blues were up-and-about through the first half but sadly it was nightmare for big forward Harry McKay.

Running into an open goal under pressure in the first quarter, McKay somehow managed to hit the post.

Then in the second quarter, McKay took a strong mark 10m out straight in front and went back for the shot.

But the key forward sprayed the shots through the points to the groans of Carlton fans.

To compound his night, McKay was involved in a collision with Tom McCartin in the third quarter which saw him concussed and taken from the field.

McKay will now enter concussion protocols and will miss the semi final against Melbourne.

Errol Gulden, Hayden McLean drag Swans back into it

It was a quiet first half for All-Australian wingman Errol Gulden, with only 10 touches.

But the Swan exploded in the second half, kicking a crucial third quarter goal from the boundary, his second for the night.

Gulden finished with 23 important disposals, seven score involvements and 546 metres gained.

However, Sydney nearly had another unlikely hero in Hayden McLean, who drew the Swans within six points with a snap in the final 30 seconds.

McLean had an equal-game high nine score involvements, with 17 disposals and 12 marks.

Ryan Clarke Hayden McLean Errol Gulden Logan McDonald Sydney Swans
(Getty Images)

Controversial goal review helps the Blues

Mid-way through the last quarter, Errol Gulden's shot from outside 50 appeared to sail through for goal, bringing the margin back to three points.

Carlton's Blake Acres claimed he touched the shot and it went to the AFL Score Review system, with the goal umpires soft call a behind,

Despite vision looking inconclusive, the score reviewer ruled the ball was touched and Carlton kept an eight-point lead - with the Swans never getting their nose in front.

Kieran Francis

Kieran Francis Photo

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia. He started at Sportal.com.au before being a part of the transition to Sporting News in 2015. Just prior to the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed chief editor of Goal.com in Australia. He has now returned to The Sporting News where his passions lay in football, AFL, poker and cricket - when he is not on holiday.