Carlton have become the owners of another unwanted record on their agonising journey back from the pit of the competition, sinking to a 68-year low in their defeat to Collingwood at the MCG.
The Blues now hold the record of most consecutive 0-2 starts to a season in VFL/AFL history after being out-grinded in a 21-point defeat to the Magpies.
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The record had burdened Hawthorn ever since the Hawks started every season between 1946 and 1953 with back-to-back losses.
But according to trusted Twitter statistician Swamp, that record now belongs to Carlton after the Blues began their ninth season in a row with consecutive losses, an ugly streak stretching to 2013.
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https://twitter.com/sirswampthing/status/1375042243661193223
While there are concerns over Patrick Cripps' capacity to continue to thrive as a dominant inside midfielder in a faster and more spacious game – a result of new rules – the Blues' rebuild could clearly be seen despite their season-opening losses to Richmond and Collingwood.
Harry McKay (four goals), Michael Gibbons (three) and Jack Martin (three) shone in the forward line in the Magpies clash, as young gun Sam Walsh (29 possessions, 12 contested) and former Giant Zac Williams (20 touches, 14 contested) fired in the midfield.
Ex-Bomber Adam Saad and former No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering were also outstanding in defence.
But the Blues were picked apart by a mix of superstar and unheralded Magpies, led by four-goal hero Jordan De Goey in a best-on-field display.
Carlton also struggled to contain Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury (30 disposals), while defender Darcy Moore (22 touches, 18 intercepts) was magnificent in his duel with McKay and Brodie Mihocek bagged three goals.
Despite the Blues' 0-2 start to the season, Carlton coach David Teague said he still had enormous faith in his squad.
"I have absolute belief in this group," Teague said in his post-match press conference.
"We'll get there. I am not going to lose any belief in this group. I know our fans are going to be frustrated and they're (our players) hurting in there. They're disappointed and we all are, especially the players."
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