Towns’ Jack Martin hits the scoreboard in season debut as Carlton win by one-point over Melbourne

The addition of former Towns Bulldog Jack Martin helped lift Carlton to a one-point win over Melbourne on Thursday night. In his first game for the season after battling hamstring issues, Martin took a contested mark inside 50 and slotted an early goal when the Blues were on a roll against the Demons. Following in the second quarter was Northampton’s Patrick Cripps, who put one through during what looked like a blowout win before Melbourne was able to stage a comeback. The game ended up being a tight contest, with the Demons fighting their way back, and Rovers’ product Judd McVee hitting the scoreboard for the first time in his career. The young defender booted the ball from the arc, and it went through for a behind, as the Demons fought hard in the final quarter of the 12.5 (77) to 11.10 (76) loss. Cripps led the game in disposals with 35 including 15 kicks, along with five marks, five tackles, seven clearances and one goal assist. Friday night saw another clash of Mid West talent at Optus stadium, with Fremantle hosting Sydney. Railways’ Jaeger O’Meara would face Coorow-Latham’s Logan McDonald, but poor goal kicking saw the Swans run away with the 13.9 (87) to 4.15 (39) win. O’Meara was one of many Dockers who struggled with shots on goal, with his kick falling for a behind late in the first quarter, he had 17 disposals, three marks, two tackles and three clearances in the loss. While McDonald finished kicking 1.1 with 13 disposals and a goal assist. On Sunday, the West Coast Eagles fell back to their old form during a 15.13 (103) to 5.7 (37) loss against Collingwood. Rover Liam Ryan could have had a big day on goal but kicked 1.2, with his set shots looking off in his third game back. Jamie Cripps did not hit the scoreboard in the loss, but had 17 disposals, four marks, five tackles, a team high in five clearances and two goal assists.