THE CARLTON Reserves were unable to emerge from Moorabbin with a fifth straight victory, as St Kilda produced a strong finish to claim the four points.
Despite the Blues winning most statistical categories, they were unable to turn their dominance into enough scoreboard impact, as the Saints used a heavy breeze to their advantage in the final term.
The clash also marked the return of Jacob Weitering, Ashton Moir, Liam Reidy and Cody Walker, while Zac Williams was forced out of the game after receiving a knock to the throat in the second quarter.
Carlton made a fast start, controlling territory early as Lachie Fogarty sent a long ball inside 50, finding Taj Logan at the perfect spot for a clean gather and finish from the goal square.
Ashton Moir then produced a pinpoint pass inside 50 to find Flynn Young, who made no mistake with his first goal of the day.
The Saints responded with their first major, but Carlton continued to apply strong pressure inside forward 50. Jack Ison’s pressure and selflessness created an opportunity for Ryder Corrigan, as the Blues looked to capitalise with the breeze in the first term to lead by 13 points at quarter time.
Jacob Weitering was strong on return, intercepting and helping the Blues set up from behind the ball, while Liam Reidy and Flynn Riley provided their midfielders with first use from the ruck.
The Saints began to control more of the possession and territory in the second term, but Carlton’s backline continued to hold up strongly.
Cody Walker provided the Blues with their first goal of the quarter with a composed finish through traffic, extending the margin to 19 points.
The Saints responded with two goals to bring the margin back to seven points, before a great centre clearance from Reidy found his ruck partner Riley, who finished truly for his first goal of the game as the Blues held onto a narrow lead at half time.
The Blues came out with plenty of pressure in the third term, with Lucas Camporeale making an immediate impact. After winning a one-on-one contest, Camporeale received a high-contact free kick and converted to kick Carlton’s first goal of the second half.
Carlton continued to bring immense pressure, with a forward-half turnover created by Moir leading to Corrigan’s second goal of the afternoon and pushing the margin out to 19 points.
The Saints managed to fight back with two goals, cutting the margin to eight points at three-quarter time.
It was unfortunately a quarter plagued by inaccuracy for the Blues, who dominated territory but could only manage 2.7 in front of goal.
Adam Saad narrowly missed a flying snap early in the final term before the Saints began to take control, with two quick goals seeing them hit the front.
A terrific end-to-end passage through the middle of the ground ended with Hudson O’Keeffe soccering the ball through from the goal square to restore Carlton’s lead.
The Saints regained control late in the contest and added another goal to move seven points ahead, eventually holding on for the victory.
Reidy was outstanding in the ruck and around the ground, finishing with 29 disposals, 21 hitouts and 13 clearances, while Walker collected 28 disposals and a goal from the wing.
Ben Camporeale continued his strong form with 25 disposals through the inside midfield, with Saad finishing with 24 touches from half-back.
Jordan Boyd was another strong contributor off half-back with 22 disposals, seven marks and six intercepts, while Weitering made a promising return with 19 disposals, 13 marks and six intercepts.
The Blues now enter the final game of the home-and-away season against Footscray, needing a win - and other results to fall their way - to secure a wildcard position.
ST KILDA VFL 1.1 4.7 6.7 9.14 (68)
CARLTON RESERVES 3.2 5.4 7.11 8.13 (61)
GOALS
Carlton: Corrigan 2, L.Camporeale, Logan, O’Keeffe, Riley, Walker, Young
BESTS
Carlton: Reidy, Walker, Saad, Boyd, Weitering, Prout
