THE CARLTON Reserves produced a dominant four-quarter performance at IKON Park, running away with a 60-point victory over Brisbane to record its fourth consecutive win.
The Blues controlled the contest from the opening bounce, displaying impressive pressure, clean ball movement and strong connection across all areas of the ground.
Despite Brisbane rallying either side of half time, the Blues weren’t to be denied in a comprehensive victory, prevailing 19.6 (120) to 9.6 (60).
Carlton’s ability to win possession and move the ball effectively proved a key factor throughout the afternoon, with the Blues finishing the game with commanding advantages of +147 disposals, +15 inside 50s and +47 marks.
Ben Camporeale opened the scoring with a long-range goal before Lachie Fogarty found Flynn Young in the corridor for Carlton’s second major.
The Blues continued their strong start as Hudson O’Keeffe converted from a flowing passage of play before adding another after taking a strong contested mark, while Liam Farrar also hit the scoreboard after Carlton created another opportunity through the middle of the ground.
Carlton’s defensive pressure was a feature of the opening term, with Sam Paea standing tall late in the quarter with several important intercepts to deny Brisbane attacking opportunities.
The second quarter began with both sides struggling to find clean possession, before Jack Ison showcased his class with a pinpoint pass to O’Keeffe, who kicked his third goal of the afternoon.
The Blues continued to drive the ball well from half-back, using their run and carry to create opportunities forward. Alwyn Davey and Logan Prout - via a goal of the year contender - both converted chances to help Carlton maintain control of the contest, before Brisbane fought back late in the second term to close the gap.
The Lions again started the third quarter strongly to close the margin to 10 points, but the Blues responded again through O’Keeffe, who kicked his fourth goal after a brilliant end-to-end passage of play.
Debutant Ryder Corrigan announced himself in Navy Blue shortly after, calmly finishing a chance created by Jordan Boyd to register his first goal at VFL level.
Carlton’s ability to respond was a defining feature of the afternoon. Fogarty and Ison both added goals before O’Keeffe capped off an outstanding individual performance with his fifth major after taking a strong contested mark.
The Blues entered the final term with momentum and continued to pile on the pressure, with Liam Farrar adding another goal before Corrigan produced a brilliant snap over his head from congestion to kick his second goal on debut.
Carlton’s transition from defence continued to cause headaches for Brisbane, with the excellent Adam Saad and Zac Williams providing plenty of run and creativity across half-back.
Ollie Warburton capped off an impressive showing with a goal after a clever tap from Farrar, as the Blues finished the afternoon strongly to continuing their winning run of form.
It was a team performance from the Blues, with 11 individual goalkickers and 10 players producing 20 disposals or more.
O’Keeffe’s five goals led the way up forward with five goals, while Farrar finished with three. Debutant Ryder Corrigan impressed with two goals, while Alwyn Davey also contributed two.
Lucas Camporeale was outstanding on the wing, collecting 32 disposals and 14 marks, while Warburton produced a strong midfield performance with 32 disposals and a goal.
Saad was one of the Blues’ best with 27 disposals and 11 intercepts, while he was well-supported by Zac Williams’ 31-disposal performance.
CARLTON RESERVES 5.0 8.1 13.3 19.6 (120)
BRISBANE VFL 2.1 5.3 8.6 9.6 (60)
GOALS
Carlton: O’Keeffe 5, Farrar 3, Corrigan 2, Davey 2, B.Camporeale, Fogarty, Ison, Prout, Sammartino, Warburton, Young
BESTS
Carlton: Saad, O’Keeffe, Warburton, L.Camporeale, Fogarty, Charleson
