THE CARLTON RESERVES took on Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon, but unlike the Friday night clash between the two AFL sides, the Blues weren’t able to come away with the win.

Falling by 28 points, it was an exciting match-up at Victoria Park, but it was in the second quarter where the Pies took charge. AFL-listed Blues Zac Fisher (30 disposals) and Jack Carroll (26 disposals, one goal) made an impact in the middle, while Lachie Cowan was impressive down back with 27 disposals. 

Quarter one 

The ball was in Collingwood’s hands early, converting the first major of the game two minutes in. Ned Cahill kicked his first of three goals from just inside the 50-metre line, but the Pies responded truly. Fisher was dynamic in the midfield producing some quality scoring opportunities for the Blues, with Cahill quickly securing his second. Lewis Young was active early, taking some intercept marks and applying the pressure in defence alongside Luke Parks and Lachie Plowman. Binns was similarly energetic, with a tight contest emerging as both teams put in the work. Ben Ronke snapped home at the 20-minute mark, but the Pies converted late in the quarter to see the Blues trail by four points at the end of the first charge. 

Quarter two

Once again, the Pies opened up the quarter with a goal. Cowan and Young were lively in the back line, and a clean assist from Jack Carroll saw Harry Lemmey run into an open goal, but the Blues would not kick another for the rest of the quarter. With Collingwood keeping Carlton to just one goal, they started to take control, kicking back-to-back goals in quick succession. Hudson O’Keeffe dominated the ruck (33 hitouts for the game), while debutant Hugo Nosiara (six tackles) produced some physical football in his debut. Carlton saw a few scoring opportunities but struggled to convert, as Collingwood kicked another goal just before the siren to stretch their lead by 22 points. 

Quarter three 

Collingwood converted the first three goals to start off the second half, but also managed to stop the Blues in their tracks when they looked to create meaningful chances going forward. In the second half of the term, however, the Blues start to convert their attacking opportunities, with Jack Lefroy, Ronke and Cahill all finding form in front of the big sticks. Sam Durdin made his presence known in the back line after starting up forward, while Jack Carroll had some key moments in the midfield, rewarding himself with a classy goal. The Pies continued to push, thwarting the Blues’ momentum with a late goal to see Carlton trail by 30 points at the final change.

Quarter four 

Collingwood came out with speed and scored early in the quarter, but inaccuracy left the Blues with a chance to get back in the contest. They continued to push, as Lefroy kicking his second goal minutes in before assisting Liam McMahon, who goaled against his old side. Some scrappy football from both sides inside Carlton’s forward 50 was eventually cleaned up by Lochie O’Brien who scooped it up and snapped truly, but although the Blues battled hard in the final term, it was a case of too little too late. A Collingwood goal just before the final siren saw Carlton fall at the home of the old enemy.

COLLINGWOOD             3.4     7.8     12.11       14.16 (100)
CARLTON RESERVES      3.0     4.4     8.5          11.6 (72)

GOALS
Carlton: Cahill 3, Ronke 2, Lefroy 2, O’Brien, McMahon, Lemmey, Carroll

BESTS
Carlton: Fisher, Carroll, Cowan, Durdin, Ronke, O’Brien