Brodie Kemp spoke of the Blues’ ability to respond second time around against the Cats.
BRODIE Kemp was part of the Carlton team which, back in Round 7, conceded 118 points to Geelong.
It was a performance AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss in his post-match press conference called “unacceptable”, despite the Blues scoring 105 points themselves in a high-scoring defeat.
The message was clear: Carlton wouldn’t be the best version it could be until it had a defensive bias in its game.
And while the Blues piled on 21 goals on Friday night, it was what they did without the ball that very much set them up.
With 80 tackles (an equal season-high) for the night, the Blues were unrelenting in their attack on the Cats, setting up a 63-point win in what was clearly their most complete performance of the year.
As the Blues recorded their 10th win of the campaign, Kemp took the opportunity to look back on that Round 7 defeat — and how it laid the foundations for recent form.
“We were a different team at that time. That was a good game in that it taught us a lesson to value defence a bit more,” Kemp said.
“The contrast was doing that tonight. We valued the defensive aspect of the game and then we attacked from there. It was really pleasing to only concede 70-odd points to a really good scoring side.
“It was a good win, certainly the best we’ve played as a team all round.”
Kemp’s seven spoils was the most of anyone on the ground, as part of a backline which has largely been settled in recent weeks following the returns of Mitch McGovern and Adam Saad.
McGovern drew praise from Kemp for his role on Jeremy Cameron, before he saved a special mention for a defensive mentor who added yet another scalp on Friday night.
Jacob Weitering did his chances of a maiden All-Australian selection no harm in a performance where he thwarted Geelong time and time again.
“He’s so reliable in his contest, his leadership is terrific. I’ve documented how much he’s done for me and my career over the last few years.
“Certainly last year, he was a really big part in me having a breakout year, so to speak. He gave me that confidence.
“His leadership on-field by telling me where to go, but also listening to feedback, he’s terrific at that. He’s humble in his approach and a terrific leader for our club.”