Finally got to a game at Perth Stadium yesterday, and it was worth the wait.

Reflections?

* Tickets were expensive and relatively difficult to purchase pre-game, but the outstanding design of the stadium and ease of access via train and bus really impressed.

* Perth is a Bluebagger town. Where we were – up in the bleachers above the northern forward pocket – was a sea of navy blue.

* At long, long last, the bleak days are over. Carlton 2022 is locked and loaded.

* I would not swap Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay for any other KPF combination in the game. And their best years are still ahead.

* Jake Weitering’s return was enormous. Our defensive general.

* Lewis Young - Recruit of the Year.

* Jesse Motlop has an x-factor. Could be anything.

* Paddy Cripps is a human bulldozer. His last quarter was inspirational.

* Matty Cotterell continues to confound his critics.

* Val Perovic, Ange Christou and Chris Bryan – ah, the memories, as “Whoof” echoed around the ground each time Adam Saad kicked long.

* The Weagles have so many fair-weather supporters. The stands were half-empty halfway through the last quarter.

* The sun is bright this morning, and I’m walking tall.