In their final outing of the 2025 season, the Carlton Reserves were overpowered by the first placed Footscray Bulldogs.
Taking on an in-form Footscray outfit on Sunday, the Blues were outplayed as the Dogs ran away with the game in the second half, with the home side prevailing 21.20 (146) to 4.7 (31) victory.
Under relentless pressure for the duration of the game against the minor premiers, Jordan Boyd accumulated 27 disposals and youngster Harry Charleson once again showed his maturity with 25 disposals, while Ethan Phillips (15 disposals, six marks) fought all day.
With goals hard to come by, Darcy Hogg slotted two, while Elijah Hollands and Ollie Badr were able to register one each. AFL-listed duo Hollands and Lucas Camporeale were highlights in the second half, recording 19 disposals apiece.
It was a strong start to the game for the home side, putting the pressure on the Blues early.
Up against it from the bounce, Jordan Boyd produced a nine-disposal quarter while Ethan Phillips and Harry Charleson also found plenty of the footy, gathering six disposals each for the term.
Dane Harvey had the Blues’ sole look at goals in the opening but was unable to convert: it wasn’t until 20-minute mark where Darcy Hogg was able to break through, kicking the first for the Reserves from close range.
The Bulldogs dominating territory but the Blues defended resolutely, facing a 15-point deficit at the first break.
Eager to make the most of the conditions in the second, strong pressure in the forward half gave Elijah Hollands his first of the day with a set shot from the top of the goal square.
Luke Nelson (eight disposals to half time) was lively in the front half, while Kristian Ferronato (11 disposals) got his hands on the ball in the middle.
With the smalls looking increasingly threatening, a deep entry from Cooper Vickery was marked at the top of the square by Ollie Badr. With a simple set shot, he slotted his first major to keep the Blues in the hunt.
While the Blues made the most of their opportunities in front of goal, the Dogs capitalised late to take a 23-point lead into half time.
Following the main break, it was all Footscray.
With their backs to the wall, it was a goalless term for the Blues as the Dogs produced nine goals, with Lucas Camporeale (17 disposals to three-quarter time) working tirelessly.
It was another tough quarter for the Reserves in the fourth, with the form of young ruckman Flynn Riley plus a second goal to Hogg providing the highlights for the Blues.
CARLTON RESERVES 1.1 3.4 3.5 4.7 (31)
FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS 3.4 6.9 15.17 21.20 (146)
GOALS
Carlton: Hogg 2, Badr, Hollands
BEST
Carlton: Phillips, Camporeale, Hollands, Nelson, Riley
