CARLTON produced a composed second-half performance to overturn an early deficit and defeat Gold Coast by 18 points at IKON Park.
Claiming an important victory to keep their season alive, a much-changed Blues outfit found a way to win in the 12.5 (77) to 7.17 (59) triumph, with the likes of Adam Saad, Jordan Boyd, Ollie Hollands and Ben Camporeale stepping up.
Gold Coast made the early running, moving the ball end-to-end to kick the opening goal before adding another midway through the quarter to establish an early lead. Jordan Boyd provided plenty of drive from half-back throughout the opening term, while the Blues found a spark through Alwyn Davey, who kicked Carlton’s first two goals.
His second goal came after Jack Ison produced a clever tap that fell perfectly into his path, with the lively forward finishing brilliantly on the run to keep the Blues in touch.
Gold Coast extended its advantage early in the second term, but Carlton gradually took control around the contest. Ison delivered a beautiful pass inside 50 to Tom Howard for another goal assist, as the Blues’ ball movement began to click.
Tyson Gresham soccered through an important goal while Taj Logan continued Carlton’s momentum, reducing the margin to just two points.
Carlton’s defensive structure began to take control, with Dane Harvey and Sam Paea stepping up and intercepting to quell Gold Coast’s forward entries.
Ison again showcased his elite ball use to set up Howard’s second of the quarter, leaving the Blues just one point adrift at half time.
The Blues entered the second half without Liam Reidy, with the ruckman - who had been engaged in a duel with Gold Coast’s Jarrod Witts - ruled out of the game with concussion.
The third quarter started as an arm wrestle, with neither side able to find a breakthrough during the opening stages. Carlton's forward pressure was immense, locking the ball inside its attacking half and controlling territory through relentless repeat entries.
The breakthrough eventually came courtesy of Logan Prout, who brilliantly toed the ball through from the boundary line to hand Carlton its first lead of the afternoon. The momentum continued moments later when Oliver Warburton finished strongly on the run after excellent forward-half pressure to extend the advantage.
Gold Coast responded late in the quarter to briefly reclaim the lead, but the Blues had the final say. Following another forced turnover created by Ollie Hollands, Harry Charleson delivered a pinpoint pass inside 50 to Liam Farrar, who calmly converted after the siren to restore Carlton's five-point advantage heading into the final term.
Paea stood tall in the opening moments of the fourth term, with an important intercept from a Gold Coast inside 50 launching a Carlton attack. The Blues continued to control territory and eventually broke through when Matt Duffy lowered his eyes and found Liam Farrar inside 50, with the forward extending Carlton's lead.
Gold Coast answered to remain within striking distance, but Farrar produced another crucial moment, soccering through his third goal from the goal line to push the margin back beyond two goals with time running out.
The Blues’ commitment to the cause was demonstrated by Ben Camporeale, whose back-with-the-flight mark when the game was on the line crucial in stopping Gold Coast’s push.
Carlton continued to attack with confidence, as late inclusion Will Cookson made no mistake from a set shot to ice the game and seal an impressive 18-point victory for the Blues.
Ollie Hollands was busy with 28 disposals, while Ben Camporeale (27), Jordan Boyd (25) and Adam Saad (23) all made important contributions across the ground. Liam Farrar led the way with three goals, while Alwyn Davey and Tom Howard each kicked two in a team performance.
CARLTON RESERVES 2.2 6.2 9.2 12.5 (77)
GOLD COAST VFL 4.3 5.9 6.15 7.17 (59)
GOALS
Carlton: Farrar 3, Davey 2, Howard 2, Cookson, Gresham, Logan, Prout, Warburton
BESTS
Carlton: Saad, Boyd, Harvey, O.Hollands, Sammartino, B.Camporeale
