PADDY Dow and Caleb Marchbank made strong returns from injury in Carlton’s reserves scratch match against West Coast.

Playing his first game since a knee injury back in March, Marchbank slotted in seamlessly, running the game out and performing strongly across half back.

Featuring exclusively in defence, development coach Daniel O’Keefe said Marchbank’s inclusion “brought the team plenty of energy… he was exceptional today.”

After a minor knee injury in his last game a fortnight ago, Dow returned to his regular midfield role and produced a best-on-ground performance according to Daniel O’Keefe.

In torrential rain, Dow was clean and quick in congestion in what was his best performance since his return.

Up forward, Darcy Lang kicked four goals, while Matthew Owies provided plenty of pressure to go with his three late majors.

They were the two main sources of goals as the Blues produced 13 goals in three time periods, in a game which was played with 12 players on the ground for each team.

With the game played without wingers, speedsters Lochie O’Brien and Sam Philp both stepped up to produce encouraging performances as inside midfielders.

Cameron Polson once again caught the eye with his run and drive across half back, while Callum Moore responded strongly against a three-pronged West Coast ruck unit.

GOALS: Lang 4, Owies 3, Phillips 2, Dow, Moore, O’Dwyer, Philp