THE CARLTON Reserves struggled to find their feet, falling by 39 points to Greater Western Sydney at Giants Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The wet conditions at the ground caused some slippery football, with the Blues scoring five goals for the game. There was a lot of midfield dominance, but inaccuracy meant the Blues were unable to put scoreboard pressure on the Giants when they were on top.
David Cuningham made a successful return after nearly two years off due to injuries, collecting nine disposals in limited game time. Under fire down back, Alex Cincotta (34 disposals) and Lachie Plowman (27 disposals) showcased their strong defensive presence.
Quarter one
The Giants came out hot, proceeding to kick the three goals of the match, also keeping Carlton to just six behinds in the first charge. Cuningham’s first disposal had great composure to hit up Dow for a scoring opportunity, but the kick went across the face. The Giants converted their second 10 minutes in, with the Blues struggling to convert despite some good moments in the contest. Captain Ben Crocker took some great marks in wet conditions, but was unable to nail his chances, with Plowman and Cincotta working the ball nicely out of defence. The Blues had multiple attacking opportunities but were unable to convert much-needed goals, seeing the Giants take the lead by 16 points.
Quarter two
Jack Carroll kicked the first goal for Carlton six minutes into the second quarter, but Greater Western Sydney were right there to return the favour. Brodie Kemp had strong intercepts and Cuningham with good pressure in attack, but the Giants continued to find their way to the scoreboard. Plowman and Cincotta continued to impress down back, but little mistakes from the Blues cost them this quarter, as they continued to struggle producing scoring opportunities, collecting just one goal. The Giants maintained their authority - kicking their sixth goal – to lead 7.8 (50) to 1.6 (12) at the main break.
Quarter three
Unable to take its chances when going forward, Carlton conceded the first three goals, with the Giants kicking the first goal of the quarter 20 minutes in. The Giants had the advantage in the middle of the ground this term, but the Blues started to pick up the pace. A quick transition saw Lachie Fogarty (21 disposals for the game) find Crocker, leading to a terrific mark from Tyreece Leiu, scoring a much-needed goal for the Blues. A free kick to Carlton, found Hudson O’Keeffe kicking their third, leading them to trial by 23 points at three-quarter time.
Quarter four
A push in the back paid to Archie Stevens saw Ned Cahill line up for a set shot just outside the 50-metre mark in the opening minute of the term, but he was unable to convert. Cahill kept his composure minutes later, assisting Moschetti to kick the first goal of the quarter. Brodie Kemp added to a strong showing down back, pushing forward late to mark and secure another goal for Carlton right in front of the goal square. However, the Giants proved too strong for the Blues, sealing the win with a couple of goals late in the final charge, which saw the Carlton Reserves fall by 39 points.
GWS GIANTS 3.3 7.8 8.8 12.11 (83)
CARLTON RESERVES 0.6 1.6 3.11 5.14 (44)
GOALS
Carlton: Carroll, Kemp, Leiu, Moschetti, O’Keeffe
BESTS
Carlton:
