THE Carlton Reserves were victorious in a game of momentum swings on Sunday, defeating Essendon at Windy Hill.

Trailing at every break throughout the day, the Blues stormed home late in a resilient win over the Bombers.

AFL development coach and VFL assistant coach Tom Lonergan spoke after the 18-point triumph.

 On big moments in games: 

“It’s been a bit of theme for us since the start of the season: we reflected on that Good Friday game against North Melbourne, where there were some moments the boys really learned a lot from.

“We’ve had a lot of those types of games throughout the year where it’s been in the balance: we are starting to see some positive signs. The boys understand when it’s their turn to stand up in those moments.

“When you think of some spoils and tackles, or taking time with the ball and showing composure, there were many examples of that in the back half of that game - it was really pleasing to see.”

On a strong defensive showing:

“I was really happy, really happy.

"Rob Monahan had a big role: he went forward after starting in a defensive role on Elijah Tsatas. Then for the boys down in defence, I thought they were really strong.

“We probably started off a little bit slow. We had eight players back there, and each of them had their moments and certainly all had a big impact on us winning the game.”

On the positive impact of experienced players:

“We talk about it as a coaching group all the time, how important it is to have guys that have that level of experience.

“It was guys all across the lines. I thought ‘Pitto’ (21 disposals, 41 hitouts) was outstanding in the ruck, he really led the way all day.

“Lewis Young coming back in was terrific for us, both down back and in the ruck. He had a big role to play especially in that third quarter.

“I thought Ethan Phillips down back as well, he’s led the way all year for us. His experience, communication and leadership with a really young backline there are players we need. Then you throw in guys like Will Hayes: when he comes back and plays, we find a way to win. He’s so important to us.”

On mid-season recruit Flynn Young’s debut:

“I’ve known Flynn for a while now being a Geelong boy: I had him in my previous role at the Geelong Falcons, so I’ve seen his progression.

“It’s exciting to see him come in and it’s obviously an incredible story of perseverance. He came in and played a really important role for us today: they probably weren’t the conditions that would suit him, but he will have his time.

“We know what he brings in terms of his run, he’s got beautiful kicking skills as well. I was excited to see the boys get around him both after his goal as well as post-game, it was great.”

On young individuals that impressed:

“Just looking at the stats sheet, Ben Camporeale – he’s a guy that’s working really hard on his centre-bounce stoppage work with Luke Power and Brad Ebert. He had 30 touches and 12 clearances which was pleasing to see, but it was his defensive and contest work that we’re focused on which was really important.

“I thought Billy Wilson once again had a really consistent game down back, he was good in trying conditions.

“Ashton Moir showed some really good passages, you can clearly see there’s AFL standard there. We will reinforce that with him throughout the week: a lot of it resolves around his contest and how he can impact and help us there.”

On the changing forward dynamic after losing Liam McMahon: 

“It certainly did change things. Liam’s been such a big presence and an important player for us: sometimes when players leave your team like ‘Macca’, it gives an opportunity for others to shine, and I thought Harry Lemmey’s contest was a standout.

“Being the only tall up there today, to have 18 touches and nine marks to go with two goals plus four tackles, we couldn’t have asked for anything more: he had a huge day.

“We knew it was going to be a long-down-the-line day. We needed him to show up in contests, and he was able to do that time and time again.”