THE CARLTON Reserves have been pipped at the post in their opening game of the VFL season, falling short by five points against Williamstown.

After being headed all day in an up-and-down contest, the VFL Blues just fell short in the 12.7 (79) to 12.12 (84) defeat.

On a day where the Blues had a number of senior-listed players roll through the VFL side, Nic Newman’s performance was a key highlight for the Blues, with the experienced defender finishing with 23 disposals playing on the wing and half-back.

Williamstown burst out of the blocks, kicking the opening two goals and setting the tone early.

It was Flynn Young who provided an early highlight with a strong chase-down tackle before converting truly to get the Blues on the board. But despite that effort, Williamstown controlled the quarter on the scoreboard, taking a 19-point lead into the first break.

The Blues responded strongly in the second term to get themselves back into the contest, with VFL debutant Will Cookson slotting the opening goal to reduce the margin to 15 points.

Lachie Fogarty followed with a composes finished after a strong mark inside 50, as Matthew Cottrell had a growing influence along with Nic Newman, applying pressure and finding plenty of the ball.

After an early surge by the Blues, the Seagulls steadied with two quick goals of their own, before Jack Ison converted his first in Navy Blue and Ashton Moir added another with a classy finish.

A superb contested mark to Young saw him convert to bring the margin back to under a goal, as after a strong second term, the Blues closed the gap significantly to trail by nine points at the main break.

The two teams went goal for goal to start the third term, as Darcy Tucker goaled from close range, Jack Ison added his second after a strong passage of play and Young snapped truly to cut the deficit to just two points.

The contest remaining tight throughout the quarter, with scores once again close at three-quarter time: a precise Ben Camporeale assist to Dane Harvey meant the Blues trailed by four points at the final change.

Williamstown struck first in the final term, kicking two quick goals to stretch the margin to 16 points. Tom Evans responded with his first goal on his VFL debut to keep his side in touch, and just a minute later, Liam Reidy added another to set up a tense finish.

The Blues dominated territory in the closing minutes but were unable to convert, having one final attack before the siren sounded with the home side five points down.

Ben Camporeale was the main disposal-getter for the Blues with 27 possessions, while Newman (23 disposals) and Cookson (23 disposals, one goal) fought hard all day.

Billy Wilson impressed in his first game of the season, providing run and carry with 18 disposals, while Nick Haynes took 13 marks in defence.

Matthew Cottrell played a half and got through unscathed in his first game back since April last year, while the Blues were also without Matt Duffy (concussion) in the second half.

CARLTON                     1.3     6.4     10.6          12.7 (79)
WILLIAMSTOWN        4.4     7.7     10.10       12.12 (84)

GOALS:
Carlton: Young 3, Ison 2, Cookson, Evans, Fogarty, Harvey, Moir, Reidy, Tucker

BEST:
Carlton: Newman, Reidy, Young, Haynes, Cookson, Wilson