Carlton demolish Eagles but pay price with injuries | AFL

Carlton has finally broken through for its first win of the 2025 AFL season, smashing West Coast by 71 points at Adelaide Oval in a dominant display that was both much-needed and bittersweet.

The 17.19 (121) to 6.14 (50) victory eases the pressure on Michael Voss’ under-fire side after a winless 0-4 start, but the triumph was soured by injuries to key forward Harry McKay and swingman Brodie Kemp.

McKay was playing his first senior game since Round 1 following a mental health break but was subbed out in the first quarter after a nasty head clash with West Coast debutant Tom Gross left him concussed.

Later, Kemp appeared to suffer a serious Achilles injury during a final term incident, limping from the field.

Despite the setbacks, the Blues dominated every key stat as the $1.16 bookmaker favourites.

They won contested possessions 136-77, clearances 40-18, and inside 50s 73-35, completely overwhelming a youthful and overwhelmed Eagles outfit now 0-5 for the first time in club history.

Sam Walsh led the charge with a best-on-ground performance, racking up 37 disposals, three goals, and 13 score involvements. George Hewett added a game-high 39 touches and eight clearances, while captain Patrick Cripps kicked 3.3 in a damaging forward role.

Small forward Corey Durdin also starred, booting a career-best four goals in front of a big Gather Round crowd, while Charlie Curnow added 2.4 in a game where the Blues finally clicked in attack.

“We’ve had a lot of good chats with our leaders the past few weeks, and this one was probably the most significant,” Voss said post-match.

“It’s the one we needed — hopefully we can build some form off it.”

West Coast had few answers in the contest and struggled to generate clean ball movement. Midfield recruits Liam Baker and Jack Graham fought hard, while Ryan Maric and Tom Gross were solid in defence.

Oscar Allen kicked an early goal but faded, and Andrew McQualter admitted post-game that more selection changes could be coming.

“We’re under no illusions where we’re at,” McQualter said. “There’s more out of form than in form right now — we’ve got work to do.”

Carlton face North Melbourne on Good Friday in Round 6, while West Coast return home to meet Essendon under mounting pressure to avoid a winless opening third to the season.

Carlton vs West Coast AFL final score

Carlton 17.19 (121)
West Coast 6.14 (50)

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