THE CARLTON Reserves overcame challenging conditions at Box Hill City Oval to record a hard-fought 23-point victory over Box Hill in Round 16.
With strong winds and persistent rain making clean football difficult throughout the afternoon, the Blues were able to consolidate an excellent start to emerge with a 12.12 (84) to 9.7 (61) victory.
With the likes of Lachie Fogarty (32 disposals), Zac Williams (21 disposals) and Flynn Young (three goals) impressing, it was a true team effort from the Blues in a game which quickly developed into a fierce battle around the contest.
Kicking with the breeze in the opening and third terms, the Blues made the most of their opportunities, using quick ball movement and overlap run early to create scoring chances before relying on their defensive resilience late to secure the four points.
Despite Box Hill opening the scoring against the breeze, Carlton responded immediately.
Hudson O'Keeffe put the Blues in front after receiving a free kick deep inside forward 50, before Liam Reidy made an immediate impact in his return, gathering the ball from a ruck contest and snapping through Carlton's second goal within a minute.
The Blues had control for the rest of the first term, as Flynn Young produced a classy running snap before turning provider for the excellent Sam Paea to extend the Blues’ lead. After a second goal to O’Keeffe, Carlton had opened up a commanding 29-point lead at quarter time.
Carlton's momentum continued after the first break through debutant Alwyn Davey, who capped off a brilliant end-to-end passage of play with his first goal in Navy Blue. Although Box Hill ended Carlton's run of five consecutive goals, the Blues continued to find answers.
Taj Logan produced one of the highlights of the afternoon, throwing himself at the ball for a desperate smother before following up to kick the loose ball out of mid-air for a sensational goal. Flynn Young added his second goal soon after as Carlton extended its advantage to 36 points before the Hawks reduced the margin with the final goal of the half.
The difficult conditions continued to shape the contest after the main break. Box Hill hit back against the breeze to reduce the margin, before Reidy again showcased his ruck craft, snapping his second goal directly from a ruck contest inside forward 50.
Logan Prout continued his impressive afternoon with a strong contested mark in a pack before converting his second major, with Carlton maintaining control of the contest, thanks to the efforts of Jordan Boyd, Adam Saad and Zac Williams behind the ball.
A late Box Hill goal trimmed Carlton’s lead to five goals at the final change, with the last quarter turning into a genuine arm wrestle. Stoppages dominated play as both sides battled slippery conditions, with the Blues’ defence standing tall under sustained pressure to repeatedly repel the Hawks’ attacks.
After 15 goalless minutes, Young provided the breakthrough with a classy finish for his third of the afternoon, extending Carlton's lead beyond five goals. Although Box Hill responded with two late majors, the Blues remained composed in the final minutes, controlling field position and defending resolutely to close out an impressive 23-point victory.
Sam Paea was outstanding and was named best on ground after an influential performance at both ends of the ground, rotating between the forward line and as a loose man in defence.
Lachie Fogarty continued his strong form with a game-high 32 disposals, while Blake Acres (26), Jordan Boyd (23), Ben Camporeale (22) and Zac Williams (21) all played important roles through the midfield and across half-back.
Up forward, Young finished with three goals from 15 disposals, while O'Keeffe, Reidy and Prout each booted two majors in a balanced attacking display as the Blues recorded an important win away from home against a top-four opponent.
CARLTON 6.5 9.5 11.9 12.12 (84)
BOX HILL 2.0 5.1 7.3 9.7 (61)
GOALS
Carlton: Young 3, O’Keeffe 2, Prout 2, Reidy 2, Davey, Logan, Paea
BESTS
Carlton: Paea, Fogarty, Williams, Young, Acres, Boyd
