Some think the loudest ever noise at the MCG came after Leon Baker’s blind turn and goal in the 1984 grand final. Others insist it was Shane Warne’s 700th Test wicket. When Daniel Butler sealed the 2017 preliminary final, the crowd noise was measured at 127 decibels, louder than a jet engine.
But Blake Acres’ goal to put Carlton in front last night has to be right up there. The preceding passage helped. The preceding decade helped. Sam Docherty, whose shoulder had popped out of its socket earlier in the night, intercepted and drove the ball deep. All night, those long bombs had been gobbled up with glee by Steven May and Jake Lever. But when it mattered most, the Melbourne defence was off guard and outnumbered.
