IN TOUGH conditions, the Carlton Reserves recorded a dominant win over the Northern Bullants away from home.

VFL assistant coach Tom Langford summed up the 86-point win: here’s what he had to say.

On his feelings post-match:

“I felt it was a really professional win.

“In tough conditions, it was almost a game of four individual quarters with a strong breeze going down one way. We were able to adapt our game style and trust in our system, both into the breeze and with it.

“It was good to get a nice lead in that first quarter and take away some of their strengths. We knew they were going to try and possess the ball and accumulate uncontested marks, and we were able to score on the back of turnover which was strong.

“Then we put our foot down in quarter two which was probably our strongest quarter of footy for a while. There were some really pleasing performances from individuals, but it was more about the team system.”

On the side’s momentum heading into the back half of the season:

“It’s funny, 12 months ago at this ground against this opponent, we had a really disappointing loss. In my couple of years here, it was probably one of the low points.

“The journey we’ve been on and the growth over 12 months has been really impressive, having that connection between the AFL and VFL program, with individuals coming together putting on the same guernsey and having that ‘one-team’ mentality.

“Now getting some wins and some scoreboard nourishment can really help us continue that growth. We’re now five and five for the year - that’s exciting and there’s some momentum building.”

On standout performances:

“There were some really strong individual performances.

“Ethan Phillips was sensational in defence: to be honest, he has been sensational for us all year. He’s a mature leader who’s been in our best players almost every week, he was huge with another 12 intercept possessions.

“Pitto [Marc Pittonet] in the ruck, again another experienced player. His first half and in particular his second quarter was integral for that.

“Both Jordan Boyd and Billy Wilson were really important across half-back, and through the middle Ben Camporeale and Darcy Hogg linked up really well and had really strong performances.

“Then another experienced player who also really contributed was Francis Evans. Forward of centre, he was really strong, ending with three goals from 15 disposals.”

On the opportunity for young players in the side: 

“It’s really important. Those guys as individuals are on their own journey, they’re looking to move onward and upward in their careers and they’re seeking opportunity.

“We have had great success with three VFL-listed players drafted in the last six months - Will White, Frankie Evans and then Liam McMahon recently. These guys are hungry for their opportunity, they put in a mountain of work both at the Club and away from the Club as semi-professional players.

“It’s great to see guys lead like Ethan Phillips and Heath Ramshaw. Darcy Hogg is emerging this year as a great player, Cooper Vickery has been a fantastic addition from the Sydney Swans.

“Then to have a young kid like Nash King playing his first game from the Calder Cannons, biding his time developing his craft in our VFL programs - to get his opportunity today is great. There’s a clear pathway there for these players and we are pretty proud of that.”

On the focus in the coming weeks:

“You run the risk of winning a couple of games and changing focus. For us, it’s North Melbourne next week, who are a team that have probably had it over us in close losses the last few times we’ve faced them, so we will immediately focus on that one.

“Then we can get straight into our game against Port Melbourne the following week. We’ve probably struggled against the more mature standalone clubs, so we’ve got two really big games - and that’s exciting for us.”