CARLTON'S winning run at VFL level came to an end in Round 9, with the VFL Blues going down to Coburg by 36 points.

A heavily changed Blues line-up trailed from start to finish at Barry Plant Park, ultimately falling 16.14 (110) to 10.14 (74) on Vicki Cleary Day.

Despite some promising individual performances and a spirited final term, the Blues were unable to generate any momentum when the game was on the line, missing some key experience from previous weeks.

With the likes of Blake Acres, Wade Derksen and Cooper Lord out of the side, Carlton showed its intent early, with both Lewis Young and Dane Harvey needing to hold strong in the back half.

The Blues’ first goal came through debutant Tom Howard, who reacted quickest at ground level to snap truly and open his account in Navy Blue.

Ashton Moir added another highlight shortly after, taking a mark of the year contender inside 50 and converting to keep Carlton within reach.

Harry Charleson was influential off half-back, helping drive Carlton’s ball movement out of defence, but repeat entries meant the Blues were under increasing pressure.

At quarter time, Carlton trailed by 20 points after conceding a late run of goals.

Liam Farrar got Carlton moving early in the second term, finishing off a forward-50 opportunity to reduce the margin. The Blues continued to generate looks inside 50 through strong stoppage work from Cody Walker, who also spent time across half-back after the main break.

However, inaccuracy and missed opportunities cost Carlton any chance at momentum heading into half time, trailing by five goals.

The third quarter saw Carlton battle hard in the contest, with Camporeale - who captained the side on the day - leading the way in the middle.

The Blues once again had their looks, but could only muster four behinds in the third term as the home side kicked out to a game-high lead.

Carlton’s response in the final quarter was strong and positive, producing a seven-goal burst that highlighted its ability to move the ball quickly and connect inside 50.

Lachie Fogarty opened the scoring with a composed snap from a stoppage, before Farrar added his second after earning a 50-metre penalty. Tom Evans then followed up with his first major after a strong ground-ball effort, while Camporeale rewarded his consistency with a goal of his own.

Evans added another late, Howard finished with a second goal on debut, and Farrar capped off his performance with a third after linking up with Moir inside 50. 

Despite the final-term surge, the Blues left themselves too much to do in the 36-point defeat, bringing to an end a run of five consecutive wins.

Camporeale was the Blues’ best on the day with 31 disposals, while Charleson provided plenty of drive with 28 disposals. Farrar finished with three goals, while Dane Harvey impressed down back in his return to the side.

COBURG      5.4     8.6     11.10       16.14 (110)
CARLTON     2.2     3.5     3.9          10.14 (74)

GOALS
Carlton: Farrar 3, Evans 2, Howard 2, Camporeale, Fogarty, Moir

BESTS
Carlton: Camporeale, Charleson, Harvey, Farrar, Fogarty, O’Keeffe.