LOOKING to continue their momentum with the VFL season commencing next week, the Carlton Reserves fell short to Richmond at IKON Park.

In a back and forth affair, the Blues went down to Richmond in their final practice match before Round 1, with inaccuracy costing them in the 8.16 (64) to 13.5 (83) defeat.

Continuing where they left off from a VFL perspective, it was a hot start by the Blues who had the game on their terms in the first five minutes.

Matthew Carroll was quick to show his class, asserting early dominance complemented by fellow backman Logan Prout.

01:26

VFL PM | Carroll's strong showing

Young defender Matthew Carroll impressed in the Carlton Reserves' practice match against Richmond.

Despite Carlton looking in control early, Richmond kicked the first goal against the run of play at the nine-minute mark to take the lead.

Following a free kick, Ollie Poole kicked his first halfway through the quarter to give the Blues their first of the day. It was otherwise a wasteful term for the Blues, with Richmond leading by 22 points despite the Blues recording three more scoring shots.

With some work to do after the first break, it was key forward Harry Lemmey who kicked a set shot to open his account after a strong contested mark.

Injected into the game in the second term, Jordan Boyd was quick to establish himself at half back, while midfielders Heath Ramshaw and Archie Stevens found plenty of the footy.

01:51

VFL PM | Boyd "happy to be back"

Jordan Boyd spoke to Carlton Media following the VFL practice match against Richmond.

After a low-scoring second term, the Tigers with a 26-point lead heading into the major break.

Following the first half, Ashton Moir kicked his first major with a classy snapping finish to give the Blues an early one after the break.

Through some dash from the mids, Liam McMahon chimed in with a quick kick from the top of the goal square to give Carlton two in a minute.

05:04

VFL PM | All Carlton highlights v Richmond

Watch the best of the Carlton Reserves in their VFL practice match against Richmond.

AFL-listed player Jaxon Binns provided plenty of energy, while Dane Harvey finished with a nice set shot around the body from the boundary for Carlton’s third of the quarter on the stroke of three-quarter time.

However, turnovers were costly with the Tigers leading by 28 to close the third.

Heading into the final term, the Reserves were looking for a spark. A Patrick Dozzi clearance followed by a high-flying Ashton Moir provided some early momentum, while Billy Wilson – who moved into the middle in the final term – kicked his first following a 50-metre penalty.

Poole became Carlton’s first multiple goal scorer of the day, with a brilliant finish on the run from 45 metres out, before Moir followed suit with his second major following a set shot from the boundary.

01:03

VFL PM | Moir's classy double

Ashton Moir kicked two tidy goals in the Carlton Reserves' practice match against Richmond.

The siren soon followed, with the Blues left to rue missed opportunities but with positives to build on ahead of the season proper next week.

Round 1 of the VFL will kick off next Friday 21 March at 7:05pm against Box Hill at IKON Park.

CARLTON RESERVES     1.8     2.11     5.12       8.16 (64)
RICHMOND                    6.0     8.1        11.4      13.5 (83)

GOALS
Carlton: Moir 2, Poole 2, Harvey, Lemmey, McMahon, Wilson

Jaspar Wilson-Keir is a student at La Trobe University, undergoing his Bachelor of Media and Communications (Journalism and Marketing). He is currently undertaking an internship at the Carlton Football Club as part of its partnership with La Trobe University.