Carlton’s ‘never before seen’ tactics that shut down Port Adelaide’s weapons across half back have been highlighted from last Thursday night’s boilover at Adelaide Oval.
The Blues blew away the Power by 36 points after kicking eight goals in the final term to run away with a lopsided victory.
And while Michael Voss’ offensive firepower was on full display, it’s buy in to the defensive side of the game has been lauded by Kangaroos great David King.
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It included Zak Butters getting held to 23 touches by Alex Cincotta, while Dan Houston was limited to a season-low three score involvements.
And Fox Footy LAB vision shown on The First Crack by King highlighted just how the Blues were able to contain Houston and Port’s defensive runners.
The first two clips show Blues players actively pursuing Port runners after the home side took a mark to negate the Power’s overlap overlap and ability to break lines.
“It was obvious anytime Port Adelaide got the ball, they were not to be able to give the ball to (Kane) Farrell and Houston,” King began.
“Look at this ability to locate straight away, bang onto it, look at them turning and facing: ‘I’ve got him, he’s covered’. There’s no through handballs and slip throughs past the man on the mark.”
Another edit shows Port Adelaide mark the ball just outside forward 50 and Blues players facing the opposition direction to ensure opposition runners don’t steam past.
“I have never seen two players facing the wrong way to guard players potentially there for the handball receive, with the play behind them – never seen it before,” King said.
The Kangaroos legend believes it was “outstanding coaching” from Voss and company “to not get beaten by what you know”.
“(Voss) knew coming in Farrell and Houston are going to split from the guy who marks the ball – left footer goes that way, right footer goes that way and we’ll just wait and see who fails the test defensively,” King added.
“Well Carlton never failed the test all night.
“They took away Houston’s impact and Butters’ impact and made others defend in the middle – and they failed.
“So that’s why you get the result, outstanding preparation for a hit and run mission on the road.”