COMING off a resilient win last week against Port Melbourne, the Carlton Reserves went one better against old enemy Collingwood.

Under lights at IKON Park, the Reserves were able to overcome the Magpies late, securing back-to-back wins.

VFL Senior Coach Luke Power summed up the thrilling four-point win: here’s what he had to say.

On his thoughts post game:

“I’m proud. We’ve got a lot of run in our team and guys that are just willing to fight.

“Most of them haven’t had it their own way, in terms of not coming in straight away or not playing senior football: they’ve worked out they’ve got to fight for it, and that’s what they’re doing. That’s really pleasing.

“It got away from us a couple of times, but we were able to claw it back and get within reasonable striking distance. That kept us engaged and made us think that we had an opportunity, which fortunately we were able to get over the line.”

On what worked in the second half:

“I don’t think we had all the answers. Early in the game we just couldn’t stop them marking the ball, and behind the ball they were intercepting a lot.

“We couldn’t really pick a team that was built for the aerial game, so it was all about how we managed that. It was about how we could potentially bring the ball to ground a little bit more to bring our smalls in like Flynn Young, Corey Durdin, Will White and Luke Nelson into the game – we couldn’t do that in the first half.

“We were sending one up to the stoppage in the first half, but we decided to drop that and try to get six ahead of the ball to stop their interceptors. Oliver Warburton went and played on Sam Glover and did a really good job, giving us a contest and bringing the ball to ground a bit more.

“We found it hard to defend them early, but once we started equalising numbers and getting the ball to ground, it gave us a bit more time to set up behind the ball.”

On the backs:

“I thought our backs were terrific. They were facing a lot of entries in the first half – I think Collingwood had 36 inside 50s in the first two quarters, so it was a tough challenge for those guys. To keep us within striking distance after that many entries against is a pretty good performance.

“That was obviously led by Ethan Phillips. The Irish boys continue to get better: I think Rob Monahan play his best game for the Club. Harry Charleson continues to get better each week, and for Jordan Boyd and Billy Wilson to show their character after playing AFL last week and get their role done was exceptional.

“It was consistent across the board. I’m really pleased they’re working to get better every day, and it’s good to see them get some reward for that.”

On big moments:

“There were some big ones for me: I thought Lucas Camporeale got back a couple of times to support the defenders. We asked a lot of Jaxon Binns because we were short on rotations [Lewis Young ankle injury, Flynn Young managed minutes]: we asked him to play full quarters, and the way he continued to outnumber for us was really good.

“Cooper Vickery went back with the flight when it would’ve been easy to concede was an important moment for us, Luke Nelson took his shots and kicked three after half time. Then obviously Corey Durdin with the intercept and going back to take the pressure off was big.

“I also felt Denver Grainger-Barras looked the most likely of the key forwards on the ground. Especially with Harry Lemmey playing second ruck, I thought Denver provided a really good focal point ahead of the ball for us.”

On staying present:

“We’ve had a real focus on just getting better every week: I’ve felt like we’ve done that.

“We’ve put a lot of time into these guys and our VFL program. They’re starting to connect more and understand the roles and requirements we want them to play. Sometimes you get lucky and that’s part of footy – but we’ve been on the opposite side of it early in the season with those close results, so you take them when you can.

“I’m proud of the way that our guys approach it. I’m proud of guys like Ashton Moir that played AFL and acquitted himself, showing signs that he’s going to be a good player. I’m proud of our developing players and the players that have come back and played with us.

“But probably most importantly was the number of players and staff that were back in the rooms after the game. When it is really difficult, they’re here supporting their mates and that’s really important to any footy club.”

On other individuals that impressed:

“Ethan Phillips was first class. I thought our midfielders to be able to give us field position were all good - Flynn Riley, Ben Camporeale, Patrick Dozzi and Heath Ramshaw.

“I also thought Will White ahead of the ball had some really telling moments – I’ve probably mentioned the whole team, but it was that sort of game.”

On the coming weeks:

“Just keep getting better - no doubt we want the boys to experience the best form of footy that they can, but finals is an outcome.

“For us, it’s what the day to day looks like. We’ve got Brisbane next week, who are a top-four side: this win was the first time we’ve beat a side above us.

“You need to be able to deal with teams around you and below you on the ladder, which we’ve done well this season, but for this to be the first time we’ve beaten a team above us… Brisbane presents another challenge, so we’ve got to be focused on that.”

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.