Carlton has suffered from a lack of talls in its forward 50 for much of the season but this was a day when the Blues could run roughshod over a Brisbane Lions backline missing Daniel Merrett, Justin Clarke and Mitch Golby. The tone was set in the first quarter, in which the Blues racked up 10 marks inside 50 to the Lions' three. Although the Lions' improved pressure in midfield meant it wasn't quite so easy after the first change, Jarrad Waite was imperious in the air with 12 marks (seven of which were inside 50) against Joel Patfull, while Sam Michael fared little better against Matthew Kreuzer.

An untidy game in which the clanger count exceeded 70 was exemplified by some of the worst goalkicking you'll see this season. Carlton could have paid for its profligacy - just 5.13 - after the long break had the Lions had not been just as bad, booting 3.9. The forwards were largely to blame. Jonathan Brown managed 1.3 with another shot not reaching the goal. Jarrad Waite could easily have had six goals rather than 3.3 and Matthew Kreuzer kicked three behinds. Rohan Bewick (3.1) and Kane Lucas (three goals) were the only ones who had their radar working.

Statistics often haven't told the whole story this season, but on Saturday night they clearly showed how the Blues could have rued mistakes in a game they dominated in all bar the second quarter. With more than fifty more disposals and forty more contested possessions, they had ample opportunity to put the Lions to the sword but they repeatedly failed to do so. As well as the errant goalkicking which could have had them 50 points up in the first half, Jarrad Waite, Jeff Garlett, Chris Judd and Heath Scotland all missed eminently kickable goals that could have put the game away in the third quarter . They also led the kicking clanger count 14-5. After next week's clash with the Giants, the Blues face a horror run against the Bombers, Hawks, Swans and Magpies. Needless to say, they must be more efficient.

Look away (again), Demons fans. With the Lions 32 points down seven minutes into the second quarter, Brent Moloney almost single-handedly pulled the hosts back into the contest. In all he managed 10 disposals, three clearances and two goals in the term. How Melbourne could do with such a player each week to stop a first-quarter deficit turning into a procession. How does a bottom-feeder so easily let go of a player who is an early contender to be the Lions best and fairest?