COOPER Lord and Adam Saad were among the Carlton Reserves’ best performers in a 50-point loss to ladder leaders Geelong in Round 10. 

Despite kicking out to an early lead at IKON Park, the VFL Blues were outclassed by the Cats, left to rue a poor third term in the 20.11 (131) to 12.9 (81) defeat. 

Matthew Cottrell was named the Blues’ best with 26 disposals and a goal, while Lord, Saad and Zac Williams all featured prominently in a much-changed Blues line-up. 

The Blues made a bright start to the contest, as Cottrell helped create the opening goal of the game when he delivered the ball to Darcy Hogg who converted Carlton’s first major of the day. 

Mid-season draftee Flynn Riley’s intercepting work soon helped generate another scoring opportunity, with Lord making no mistake in front of goal. When Tom Howard added another through a clever snap, Carlton established a 16-point lead and looked in control early. 

Geelong responded with three consecutive goals to briefly take the lead, but the Blues finished the opening quarter strongly. Jack Sammartino produced a brilliant goal from the boundary before Hogg added his second of the term after being found directly in front, with both goals coming from Zac Williams’ assists. 

Carlton's ability to capitalise on opportunities helped the side take a seven-point lead into quarter time, while Geelong had more than its fair share of opportunities, with key defender Lewis Young having 13 disposals in the opening term. 

The Cats lifted their intensity in the second quarter and quickly turned the momentum in their favour, kicking the opening three goals of the term to establish a 13-point advantage. While Carlton worked hard to regain control late in the quarter, the Blues were unable to convert their opportunities going forward and went into the main break trailing, with only two points to show for the term. 

Despite the scoreboard, several Blues looked to have an impact, with Lord (17 disposals, one goal) and Ben Camporeale (16 disposals) topping the stats sheet at the main break. 

Carlton remained within striking distance early in the third quarter when Matthew Cottrell delivered another quality ball inside 50, finding Hudson O'Keeffe who took a strong contested mark and converted to reduce the margin to 10 points. 

Unfortunately for the Blues, Geelong then produced its most dominant period of the match. The Cats kicked eight consecutive goals to open up a commanding lead and take control of the contest.  

It was Cottrell who eventually broke the run with his first goal of the afternoon, but Geelong entered the final term with a substantial advantage. 

To Carlton's credit, the side refused to drop away and responded in the final term.  

Lord made it three goals for the afternoon after excellent work from Adam Saad, Wade Derksen’s intercepting ability stood out and Sammartino capped off an impressive individual performance with his second spectacular goal of the afternoon in a five-goal term for the Blues. 

Spending more time as a high half-forward this week, Cottrell’s form was a highlight with his work rate and ball use, while Saad made an immediate impact with 24 disposals. 

Camporeale finished with 29 disposals, while Lord delivered one of his strongest performances of the season with 26 disposals and three goals. 

After the 50-point defeat to the top-of-the-table Cats, the Blues will look to return to winning form when they head to Windy Hill next Sunday to take on Essendon. 

CARLTON          5.1     5.3     7.5            12.9 (81) 
GEELONG         3.6     6.8     15.10       20.11 (131) 

GOALS 
Carlton: Lord 3, Hogg 2, Sammartino 2, Cottrell, Fogarty, Howard, O’Keeffe, Warbuton 

BESTS 
Carlton: Cottrell, Saad, Lord, Hogg, Derksen, Vickery