A final-minute Blake Acres goal has propelled Carlton into a preliminary final after a pulsating semi-final with a Melbourne team that has suffered consecutive straight-sets September exits.
Matthew Kennedy – only playing after Harry McKay and Jack Martin were forced outs – dribbled through a late behind to seal a two-point victory that triggered an eruption from the Blues faithful when the siren sounded seconds later.
They were last in a preliminary final in 2000, and are headed to the Gabba to take on the Brisbane Lions, the club at which their coach became a triple premiership captain and legend. Pickett could hardly have been worse in the first two quarters, giving away a free kick with a jumper punch that prevented a Joel Smith set shot, then delivering a bump on Cripps that will be closely scrutinised.He booted two second-half goals and set up two others – for Smith then Fritsch – while Steven May shut down Charlie Curnow and took six intercept marks as he repeatedly repelled the Blues in the last term.
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