AFL Finals 2024: Carlton narrowly avoid unwanted record in wretched first half against Brisbane

Carlton may have snuck into finals at the expense of Fremantle but their run will likely not be going any further after claiming an unwanted slice of history in a Gabba horror show against Brisbane.

The Blues called for reinforcements ahead of their elimination final against the Lions making six changes including the surprise return of Sam Docherty.

But rather than provide a boost it seemed to breakdown any semblance of cohesion as the Blues served up one of the worst halves of football ever played.

The Lions kicked the first five goals of the game as Carlton became the first team since 1974 to go scoreless in the opening quarter of a final.

Some may remember the Blues kicked the first five goals of the preliminary final against the Lions last year before Brisbane came roaring back in a thrilling final.

But Carlton instead started bad and then just became terrible exemplified by Tom De Koning being tactically subbed in at the 11th-minute mark of the second term for Matthew Kennedy.

The Blues were threatening to become the first-ever team to be scoreless at halftime in a final before captain Patrick Cripps managed to provide some relief.

He managed to just sneak through a snap from the goal square which moved them above Geelong’s two behinds against Fitzroy in 1903 for the lowest-ever half-time finals score.

Orazio Fantasia then had a second for the Blues before Harry McKay missed from 15m out to trial by 48-points at half time.