Reserves Season 2023
Coach: Luke Power
Captain: Ben Crocker
Best & Fairest: Jaxon Binns
Position: 11th
Premier: Gold Coast Suns
Carlton's 2023 Reserves Team Squad.
50 - Zavier Maher (VC)
51 - Heath Ramshaw
52 - Liam McMahon
53 - Patrick Dozzi
54 - Ned Cahill
55 - Tyreece Leiu
56 - Sam Grant
57 - Ben Crocker (C)
58 - Michael Lewis
60 - Blake Kuipers
61 - Ethan Bentley
62 - Hayden Gill
63 - Luke Parks
64 - Archie Stevens
65 - Jed Brererton
66 - Aiden Mills
67 - Ben Ronke
68 - Mitch Moschetti
69 - Charlie Brauer
70 - Noah Barnes
71 - Nathan Scollo
72 - Darcy Porter
73 - Ben Moyle
74 - Logan Prout
75 - Hamish Sinnott
76 - Lachlan Swaney (VC)
77 - Will White
78 - Jack Maruff
79 - Jack Lefroy
80 - Eli Pearce
A final-round horror show brought a disappointing end to what had been a promising season for Carlton.
W-L-D (%): 10-8 (106.5%)
Players used: 57
Played every match: 1 – Luke Parks
AFL players used: 32 (218 matches)
Ex-AFL players: 5 (86 matches)
Debutants: 17 – Jaxon Binns, Nate Caddy, Lachlan Cowan, Hayden Gill, George Hewett*, Darcy Hogg, Oliver Hollands, Blake Kuipers, Jack Lefroy, Harry Lemmey, Jack Maruff, Aiden Mills, Hugo Nosiara, Hudson O’Keeffe, Darcy Porter, Logan Prout, Harley Reid (*previously played NEAFL)
J.J. Liston Trophy Votes: Paddy Dow (17), Jaxon Binns 11, Ned Cahill (5), Zac Fisher 5.
Coaches MVP Votes: 11th Paddy Dow 56, 17th Jaxon Binns 42, 86th Ned Cahill 19.
VFL Team of the Year representatives: Jaxon Binns
Goalkickers: Ned Cahill (28), Ben Ronke (28), Liam McMahon (18)
Disposals: Paddy Dow (31.4), Jaxon Binns (29.2), Zac Fisher (29.0)
Kicks: Jaxon Binns (21.1), Paddy Dow (15.0), Lochie O'Brien (14.0)
Handballs:Paddy Dow (16.4), Zac Fisher (15.3), Archie Stevens (12.1)
Marks: Jaxon Binns (7.9), Sam Durdin (7.5), Ben Crocker (6.5)
Tackles: Lachie Fogarty (5.7), Paddy Dow (4.5), Archie Stevens (3.9)
Hitouts: Alex Mirkov (35.6), Hudson O’Keeffe (15.9), Harry Lemmey (4.5)
Clearances: Paddy Dow (8.0), Lachie Fogarty (4.9), Archie Stevens (4.7)
Inside-50s: Paddy Dow (6.5), Jack Carroll (4.7), Jaxon Binns (4.5)
Rebound-50s: Lachlan Cowan (4.8), Jaxon Binns (4.6), Lachie Plowman (3.8)
NEW: Jaxon Binns, 18, Berwick/Dandenong Stingrays; Harry Lemmey, 19, West Adelaide; Liam McMahon, 20, Collingwood; Hudson O'Keeffe, 18, Camberwell/Oakleigh Chargers; Ben Ronke, 25, Sydney
HB: (16) Jack Carroll, (17) Brodie Kemp, (20) Lachie Plowman
C: (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns
HF: (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (36) Josh Honey, (38) Sam Durdin
F: (39) Alex Cincotta, (41) Domanic Akuei, (45) Alex Mirkov
R: (50) Zavier Maher, (51) Heath Ramshaw, (52) Liam McMahon
I: (54) Ned Cahill, (55) Tyreece Leiu, (57) Ben Crocker, (63) Luke Parks, (64) Archie Stevens, (67) Ben Ronke
The Carlton Reserves were left to rue a slow start in their season opener against Geelong, falling by 16 points at IKON Park on Friday night. After conceding the opening five goals of the game, the Blues responded in kind, but Luke Power’s side were unable to bridge the gap, despite drawing within nine points in the final quarter. Lachie Fogarty made a successful return from injury, collecting 17 disposals in limited game time, while Lachie Plowman (29 disposals) and Brodie Kemp (20 disposals) had strong moments down back in the Round 1 clash.
Quarter one
It was a rough start for the Carlton Reserves in the first half of the quarter. A few early attacking opportunities were missed, and Geelong made Carlton pay, kicking the first five goals to Carlton’s zero. Lachie Fogarty had an impressive start to his return: he was busy in the midfield, creating attack opportunities for the Blues. Paddy Dow also started to get going, but the ball spent a considerable amount of time in the Cats’ forward half. Ben Ronke scored the Blues’ first goal late in the quarter and Lachie Fogarty was busy between the arcs, assisting Ned Cahill who ran into an open goal to finish off the first term.
Quarter two
Both teams were struggling to take the control of the contest, with the respective defences showing authority. Tyreece Leiu applied the pressure in defensive 50, stopping Geelong’s chances at goal with a few intercept marks and a strong tackle. Heath Ramshaw kicked the first goal of the quarter in the 18th minute to break the goalless drought: however, the Cats picked up the pace and quickly returned the favour. A beautiful transition down the field saw Lachie Plowman booting a long-range kick, falling in the hands of Ben Crocker right in front of goal. The captain kicked truly just before the siren, which saw the Blues trail by 22 points at half time.
Quarter three
Geelong’s defence was locked in: with multiple intercepts, they were able to stop promising attacks from the Blues early in the third. Cahill battled manfully all quarter, showcasing his defensive impact, making smothers and tackles inside 50. Geelong grabbed the first goal for the term after a few narrow Carlton misses, but Josh Honey had a few key defensive highlights with his forward pressure, and skipper Crocker bounced the ball in for his second goal. Harry Lemmey opened his VFL account on debut with a beautiful long-range goal from the 50, and Josh Honey hit the board soon after.
Quarter four
The Blues came in hot, with Zavier Maher getting a much-needed goal three minutes into the final quarter. Rookie Hudson O'Keeffe created valuable ruck depth for the Blues, also kicking his first goal wearing the Navy Blue after a forward-50 tackle. Dom Akuei’s aerial ability was on display, battling for the contest and flying high for a remarkable intercept to keep the Cats away. A perfect transition down the field saw Ben Ronke convert his second goal, making it a nine-point game. The Blues were able to stop the momentum of Geelong most of the quarter, keeping them to just one goal. Carlton was on a steady comeback, but it was a case of too little too late in the game, producing a 16-point deficit to the Cats.
Reigning Vic Fuller medallist Jye Chalcraft was best-on-ground for Geelong, racking up 30 disposals, seven marks, six clearances and a goal, while Brandan Parfitt (23, eight clearances) had a dominant first half in his first VFL game since 2017, Ben Lloyd had 20 disposals (all kicks) in defence, dual Geelong league best-and-fairest winner Harry Benson (19, six clearances) impressed on debut and Ollie Dempsey stepped up in all the big moments to kick three goals. Lachie Plowman was massive in the first half for Carlton, keeping his team in the game with 22 disposals in defence on his way to 29 for the game, with ball magnet Paddy Dow (30, six marks, 10 clearances), Jack Carroll (25, seven marks, nine inside-50s), Alex Cincotta (23) and rookies Jaxon Binns (21, seven marks, five entries) and Archie Stevens (22) also impressing.
9 - Jye Chalcraft (GC)
6 - Paddy Dow (Car)
2 - Shannon Neale (GC)
2 - Sam Simpson (GC)
1 - Lochie O'Brien (Car)
1 - Lachie Plowman (Car)
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1290268/vfl-r1-all-carlton-highlights-v-geelong?videoId=1290268&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1679708396001
HB: H. Ramshaw (51)*, L. Plowman (20), A. Cincotta (39)
C: J. Binns (32), L. Fogarty (8), L. O'Brien (4)
HF: J. Honey (36), H. Lemmey (31), B. Crocker (57)
F: H. O'Keeffe (35), T. Leiu (55), B. Ronke (67)
R: A. Mirkov (45), P. Dow (2), J. Carroll (16)
INT: D. Cuningham (28), P. Dozzi (53), N. Cahill (54), L. Parks (63), A. Stevens (64)
EMG: M. Lewis (58), A. Mills (66), M. Moschetti (68), J. Lefroy (79), L. Swaney (76)
IN: D. Cuningham, P. Dozzi
OUT: S. Durdin (hamstring), Z. Maher (knee)
The Carlton reserves struggled to find their feet, falling by 39 points to Greater Western Sydney at Giants Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The wet conditions at the ground caused some slippery football, with the Blues scoring five goals for the game. There was a lot of midfield dominance, but inaccuracy meant the Blues were unable to put scoreboard pressure on the Giants when they were on top. David Cuningham made a successful return after nearly two years off due to injuries, collecting nine disposals in limited game time. Under fire down back, Alex Cincotta (34 disposals) and Lachie Plowman (27 disposals) showcased their strong defensive presence.
Quarter one
The Giants came out hot, proceeding to kick the three goals of the match, also keeping Carlton to just six behinds in the first charge. Cuningham’s first disposal had great composure to hit up Paddy Dow for a scoring opportunity, but the kick went across the face. The Giants converted their second 10 minutes in, with the Blues struggling to convert despite some good moments in the contest. Captain Ben Crocker took some great marks in wet conditions, but was unable to nail his chances, with Lachie Plowman and Alex Cincotta working the ball nicely out of defence. The Blues had multiple attacking opportunities but were unable to convert much-needed goals, seeing the Giants take the lead by 16 points.
Quarter two
Jack Carroll kicked the first goal for Carlton six minutes into the second quarter, but Greater Western Sydney were right there to return the favour. Brodie Kemp had strong intercepts and David Cuningham with good pressure in attack, but the Giants continued to find their way to the scoreboard. Lachie Plowman and Alex Cincotta continued to impress down back, but little mistakes from the Blues cost them this quarter, as they continued to struggle producing scoring opportunities, collecting just one goal. The Giants maintained their authority - kicking their sixth goal – to lead 7.8 (50) to 1.6 (12) at the main break.
Quarter three
Unable to take its chances when going forward, Carlton conceded the first three goals, with the Giants kicking the first goal of the quarter 20 minutes in. The Giants had the advantage in the middle of the ground this term, but the Blues started to pick up the pace. A quick transition saw Lachie Fogarty (21 disposals for the game) find Crocker, leading to a terrific mark from Tyreece Leiu, scoring a much-needed goal for the Blues. A free kick to Carlton, found Hudson O’Keeffe kicking their third, leading them to trial by 23 points at three-quarter time.
Quarter four
A push in the back paid to Archie Stevens saw Ned Cahill line up for a set shot just outside the 50-metre mark in the opening minute of the term, but he was unable to convert. Cahill kept his composure minutes later, assisting Moschetti to kick the first goal of the quarter. Brodie Kemp added to a strong showing down back, pushing forward late to mark and secure another goal for Carlton right in front of the goal square. However, the Giants proved too strong for the Blues, sealing the win with a couple of goals late in the final charge, which saw the Carlton Reserves fall by 39 points.
Last-minute Supplementary Selection Period signing Alex Cincotta was the best in the Blues’ 39-point loss to Greater Western Sydney on Saturday, gathering 34 disposals. Out-of-favor defender Lachie Plowman did his best to get back into the AFL side, gathering 27 touches in a productive day. Brodie Kemp (24 disposals and a goal) and Paddy Dow (23 disposals) were also busy, while Lachie Fogarty had a game-high nine clearances among his 22 touches. No.32 selection in last year’s draft Jaxon Binns also impressed with 22 disposals and 10 marks. David Cuningham had a quiet nine-disposal outing in his first game for two years. Alex Mirkov dominated in the ruck (33 hitouts) but was quieter around the ground, Jack Carroll kicked a goal to go along with 19 disposals and rookie Dom Akuei got 13 touches. Harry Lemmey and Josh Honey were quiet with five touches apiece.
7 - Max Gruzewski (GWS)
5 - Alex Cincotta (Car)
4 - Phil Davis (GWS)
2 - Paddy Dow (Car)
1 - Cameron Fleeton (GWS)
1 - Barry O'Connor (GWS)
https://www.afl.com.au/video/894057/vfl-mini-match-r2-gws-v-carlton?videoId=894057&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1680337248001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5108%2CAFL_ROUND%3A805&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5108,AFL_ROUND:805
Luke Power's side headed to Arden Street seeking their first win of the VFL season with three players making their Carlton Reserves debuts. As is the nature of VFL team selection, the Blues have named five changes for today's clash with North Melbourne. Blake Kuipers, Jack Lefroy and Aidan Mills will all play their first game for the VFL Blues, joining VFL co-vice captain Lachie Swaney and defender Michael Lewis as the inclusions. They come into the team in place of Josh Honey (AFL selection), Jack Carroll and Alex Cincotta (AFL emergencies), David Cuningham and Tyreece Leiu (injured). Cuningham has been withdrawn from the VFL this week due to calf tightness, with the aim to be available next week.
HB: H. Ramshaw (51), L. Parks (63), A. Cincotta (39)
C: J. Binns (25), N. Cahill (54), P. Dozzi (53)
HF: J. Carroll (16), H. Lemmey (33), B. Crocker (57)
F: A. Mills (59)*, B. Kemp (17), L. Fogarty (8)
R: A. Mirkov (45), P. Dow (2), B. Ronke (67)
INT: H. O'Keeffe (35), L. McMahon (52), T. Leiu (55), M. Lewis (58), M. Moschetti (68)
EMG: B. Kuipers (60), A. Stevens (64), J. Brereton (65), D. Porter (72), H. Sinnott (75), L. Swaney (76)
IN: J. Lefroy, M. Lewis, A. Mills
OUT: D. Cuningham, J. Honey (AFL), A. Stevens (omit)
NEW: Jack Lefroy, 22, Old Trinity; Aiden Mills, 20, Echuca
The Carlton Reserves secured their first win of the season in the Good Friday clash with North Melbourne at Arden Street. After a competitive first quarter and some slippery conditions, the Blues were able to take control. They pilled seven goals in the third quarter, helping them seal their 52-point victory. Paddy Dow (31 disposals) and Jaxon Binns (28 disposals) were again impressive in their midfield presence, kicking two goals each. Ben Ronke led the team with four goals, and Brodie Kemp (32 disposals, 13 marks) had a strong impact down back.
Quarter one
As the siren went to start the first quarter, the rain came bucketing down at Arden Street Oval. North Melbourne scored the first goal of the match three minutes in, but Brodie Kemp held up well down back, taking intercept marks to stop the Roos’ forward forays. Patrick Dozzi and Liam McMahon’s defensive abilities were on show, with a couple of hard tackles each, before Mitch Moschetti snagged Carlton’s first goal from 50 metres out. The Blues’ midfielders were getting on top, with Paddy Dow and Lachie Fogarty involved, but the slippery conditions made it tough for the Blues to convert. Ned Cahill gave some spark in the forward line, scoring the Blues’ second goal 21 minutes in, but North responded quickly, seeing the Blues lead by three points at the end of the final charge.
Quarter two
The rain finally started to quiet down, and Ben Ronke kicked the first of the term seven minutes in. Cahill and Brodie Kemp picked up where they left off, and Alex Mirkov starting to gain ascendancy in the ruck, creating opportunities for the midfield. Dom Akuei was aggressive in defence, while Jaxon Binns was busy between the arcs, converting his first goal of the match with a stunning snap before Ronke booted his second from a set shot shortly after. Dozzi’s speed was on display, weaving his way out of trouble, with Lachie Fogarty and Lachie Plowman continuing to work the ball nicely. Carlton’s defence was able to keep the Roos goalless in the second quarter, leading by 20 points at the main break.
Quarter three
Carlton came out firing, showing its authority with a seven-goal quarter. Moschetti collected his second, and Ronke created a carbon copy of his first goal from 50 metres out to get his third. Brodie Kemp and Lachie Plowman were combative in defence, continuing to be solid in the back line, while Luke Parks didn’t go unnoticed, taking some strong intercept marks. North Melbourne only converted one goal in the third quarter, with the Blues taking control of the contest. Paddy Dow, Harry Lemmey (two goals) and Hudson O'Keeffe all hit the scoreboard, and a 50-metre penalty late in the quarter had Jaxon Binns collect his second.
Quarter four
Ben Ronke opened the final charge kicking his fourth goal of the match. With the aid of the breeze, most of the quarter largely lived in North Melbourne’s forward half, kicking three goals. However, the damage had largely been done. Heath Ramshaw and Lachlan Swaney fought until the final siren, while Paddy Dow continued his strong showing in the midfield, scoring his second just before the siren.
Out of favour midfielder Paddy Dow was dominant as Carlton recorded a resounding 52-point win over North Melbourne on Friday. Dow, who has managed just four AFL games under Michael Voss' watch, collected 31 disposals, booted two goals and had a team-high five clearances in the victory. First-year player Jaxon Binns continues to push for a senior debut after another impressive outing. Taken with pick No.32 in last year's AFL Draft, Binns booted two goals and took nine marks from his 28 disposals. Young forward Harry Lemmey also kicked two goals and laid three tackles, while defender Lachie Plowman collected 23 disposals and took 10 marks. The Blues smashed the Kangaroos in the air, taking 121 marks to 45, with defender Brodie Kemp leading the way with 13 marks in his 24-disposal outing. Alex Mirkov was strong in the ruck with 28 hitouts, while rookie Dom Akuei and ruckman Hudson O'Keeffe were quiet with 11 and five touches, respectively.
8 - Ben Ronke (Car)
5 - Jaxon Binns (Car)
4 - Brodie Kemp (Car)
2 - Mitch Moschetti (Car)
1 - Heath Ramshaw (Car)
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1304190/vfl-r3-all-carlton-highlights-v-north-melbourne?videoId=1304190&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1681096811001
HB: L. McMahon (52), B. Kemp (17), A. Cincotta (39)
C: J. Binns (25), L. Fogarty (8), L. O'Brien (4)
HF: J. Carroll (16), H. Lemmey (33), B. Crocker (57)
F: J. Honey (36), B. Kuipers (60), B. Ronke (67)
R: A. Mirkov (45), P. Dow (2), P. Dozzi (53)
INT: H. O'Keeffe (35), H. Ramshaw (51)*, N. Cahill (54), L. Parks (63), M. Moschetti (68)
EMG: A. Mills (59), A. Stevens (64), S. Grant (56), J. Lefroy (79), H. Sinnott (75), L. Swaney (76), T. Leiu (55), M. Lewis (58)
IN: J. Carroll, A. Cincotta, S. Durdin, J. Honey, L. O'Brien
OUT: J. Lefroy, M. Lewis, A. Mills, A. Stevens, L. Swaney
The Carlton Reserves were up for the fight against Richmond, leading to a nine-point victory at IKON Park on Friday night. The scores were close all game, with both teams battling hard for the contest. Leading by two points at the end of the third quarter, the Blues were able to take home the win after a four-goal final term. Sam Durdin had a successful return back after an injury sustained in Round 1, collecting 24 disposals and 14 marks in a best-on-ground performance. He was well supported by Brodie Kemp (29 disposals, 10 marks), who had another strong performance down back, while Ben Ronke scored two final-quarter goals.
Quarter one
The dewy conditions made for some double grabs and fumbles, but both teams came out with physical pressure. Paddy Dow registered the first major of the game from a clearance, before the Tigers followed with a goal soon after. Brodie Kemp was under fire down back, putting in the work to stop the Tigers’ attacking opportunities. Alex Cincotta had hot hands on the Sherrin, with Jaxon Binns and Lachie Fogarty also involved, working the ball nicely down the ground. A late Richmond goal saw the Blues trial by 5 points at the end of the first charge.
Quarter two
The speed of Paddy Dow and Lachie Fogarty was on display early in the second term, both creating opportunities for the Blues to score. After a long-range goal from Richmond to open proceedings, Carlton began to generate scoring opportunities, but struggled to convert in the first half of the quarter. Sam Durdin and Brodie Kemp took to the skies, both collecting crucial intercept marks to stop the Tigers from clawing their way to a greater lead on the scoreboard. Ned Cahill registered a goal following a nice assist from skipper Ben Crocker in what turned into a scrappy game, with both teams fighting for the contest. Carlton started to take control with back-to-back goals as Cahill converted his second and Lachie Fogarty followed suit with a beautiful snap inside the 50. Crocker responded quickly to a Richmond goal, giving the Blues a seven-point lead at half time.
Quarter three
Carlton had a slight lead, but Richmond made them earn every touch, applying physical pressure to stop the Blues’ attacks. Luke Parks and Lachie Fogarty brought the heat, and Jaxon Binns continued to be busy in between the arcs. Alex Mirkov was dominating the ruck (51 hit outs for the match), as the ball largely lived in Carlton’s forward half without scoreboard return. Inaccuracy from the Blues saw them only register four behinds, giving a chance to Richmond to shorten the lead – and that’s exactly what they did. The Tigers scored the first and only goal of the quarter 24 minutes in, cutting the Blues’ lead to two points at the final change.
Quarter four
Three minutes in, Ronke registered his first goal of the game, soccering the ball through for a much-needed goal for the Blues. Paddy Dow and Patrick Dozzi did well to get the ball out of the middle, but the Tigers were able to apply the pressure to thwart the Blues going forward. Brodie Kemp and Sam Durdin continued to be dominant down back and Dom Akuei took a terrific intercept mark to stop the Tigers in their tracks. Harry Lemmey converted his first goal of the quarter 16 minutes in, but the Tigers were quick to respond, booting a major to make it a nine-point game. Ronke secured his second goal at the 24 minute mark, and Lochie O'Brien followed with a snap directly after. However, as had been the case all night, the Tigers came again, booting two late majors in quick succession to cut the lead to just seven points. The Blues were able to steady, holding onto possession to register their second consecutive win come the final siren.
Match Details
Alex Cincotta continued to push for an AFL debut and Paddy Dow was good again in Carlton's nine-point win over Richmond on Friday night. Alex Cincotta, who joined the Blues via the pre-season supplemental selection period, had a game-high 34 disposals. Paddy Dow had an equal game-high nine clearances to go with his 27 disposals, five tackles and a goal. With the Blues coming off their first AFL loss of the season, there may be spots up for grabs and Brodie Kemp (29 disposals), Jaxon Binns (29) and Lochie O'Brien (26 and a goal) were also busy. Sam Durdin had 24 touches and Lachie Fogarty booted a goal to go with his 23, six tackles and six clearances. Alex Mirkov dominated in the ruck with 51 hitouts, Harry Lemmey kicked 1.3 and Jack Carroll had 21 disposals.
7 - Garrett McDonagh (RIC)
5 - Sam Durdin (CAR)
4 - Cam Olden (RIC)
3 - Paddy Dow (CAR)
2 - Alex Cincotta (CAR)
1 - Jacob Bauer (RIC)
1 - Alex Mirkov (CAR)
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1309111/vfl-r4-all-carlton-highlights-v-richmond?videoId=1309111&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1681613161001
HB: (16) Jack Carroll, (37) Jordan Boyd, (32) Jaxon Binns
C: (58) Michael Lewis, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (62) Hayden Gill
HF: (64) Archie Stevens, (41) Domanic Akuei, (72) Darcy Porter
F: (51) Heath Ramshaw, (52) Liam McMahon, (53) Patrick Dozzi
R: (54) Ned Cahill, (55) Tyreece Leiu, (57) Ben Crocker
I: (60) Blake Kuipers, (63) Luke Parks, (67) Ben Ronke, (76) Lachlan Swaney, (79) Jack Lefroy
The Carlton Reserves were able to take home the win in Round 5, after a tight match against Sandringham at IKON Park on Sunday morning led to a three-point victory. There were multiple lead changes throughout the game, with the Zebras taking the lead by five points at the 22-minute mark in the last quarter. But an impressive three-goal last quarter - including a late match-winner - from Ned Cahill saw the Blues secure the win. Jordan Boyd had a successful return back from injury, collecting 21 disposals and having an impact in both areas of the field. Paddy Dow (40 disposals) once again was impressive in the midfield, and Ned Cahill converted four goals.
Quarter one
An injury in the warm-up saw Sam Durdin replaced by Hayden Gill for his debut. It was perfect conditions down at IKON Park, with Jack Carroll opened proceedings with the first major of the game. Sandringham was quick to respond, but Lachie Plowman and Domanic Akuei were strong in the backline as the opposition started to get into the contest. The play was mostly in the Blues’ forward half for the first half of the quarter, but struggled to convert, but back-to-back goals saw the Zebras make the most of their attacking opportunities. In his return, Jordan Boyd was heavily involved down back, as a late goal from Ned Cahill brought the Blues within four points at the first change.
Quarter two
Both teams came out playing physical football, creating attacking opportunities for their teams but struggling to convert. Paddy Dow had hot hands on the Sherrin early, having a strong presence in the midfield alongside Lachie Fogarty, whose pressure was setting the tone. Jaxon Binns showcased his speed and worked the ball nicely down the wing, while Luke Parks took a few intercept marks to stopping the Zebras’ momentum. It was scrappy football in the second term between the arcs, as Jaxon Binns kicked the first goal of the term at the 25-minute mark. However, indicative of the match, the Zebras soon followed suit after a 50-metre penalty, with another just before the siren given them a one-goal lead.
Quarter three
Two minutes in, Blake Kuipers was there to soccer the ball in for a quick goal after Paddy Dow’s good work out of the middle. Lachie Plowman pushed forward with a rare goal as he gave the Blues a slight lead from long range, but Sandringham was right there to return the favour. Scrappy football continued as the Zebras collected a goal eight minutes in, with the opposition’s ball use giving them an eight-point lead at the final change.
Quarter four
The sun came shining down for the last quarter, and the Blues came out firing with a beautiful transition down the field seeing Cahill convert his second goal. Akuei continued to contest well in the air, and Jaxon Binns carried on his fine form on the wing. Cahill was lively all quarter, taking a beautiful mark before kicking the goal from 30 metres out as the Blues snatched a five-point lead. Lachie Plowman and Tyreece Leiu applied the pressure down back, but a goal against the flow saw the Zebras draw within a point. Both teams’ defensive lines did well to quell opposition attacks, but a free kick to Sandringham saw them take the lead back. However, a late major from Cahill gave the Blues their third consecutive win come the final siren.
7 - Paddy Dow (CAR)
5 - Ned Cahill (CAR)
5 - Jack Carroll (CAR)
2 - Jack Billings (SAN)
2 - Jaxon Binns (CAR)
2 - Lachie Fogarty (CAR)
https://www.afl.com.au/video/910648/vfl-mini-match-r5-carlton-v-sandringham?videoId=910648&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1682132700001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5138%2CAFL_ROUND%3A808&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5138,AFL_ROUND:808
HB: (20) Lachie Plowman, (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns
C: (37) Jordan Boyd, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (41) Domanic Akuei
HF: (45) Alex Mirkov, (46) Matthew Cottrell, (52) Liam McMahon
F: (53) Patrick Dozzi, (54) Ned Cahill, (55) Tyreece Leiu
R: (57) Ben Crocker, (58) Michael Lewis, (63) Luke Parks
I: (64) Archie Stevens, (67) Ben Ronke, (76) Lachlan Swaney, (00) Harley Reid, (79) Jack Lefroy
The Carlton Reserves were left to rue a slow start against Footscray, falling by five points at North Port Oval on Saturday morning. The Bulldogs had a fair lead the entirety of the match, but the Blues were able to cut the lead with a resurgent final quarter. It was anyone’s game after Carlton’s four consecutive majors, but Footscray was able to hold onto its lead to cut the Carlton Reserves’ winning streak short. Matt Cottrell had a successful game back from injury collecting 17 disposals and a classy final-quarter goal, while Lochie O'Brien (19 disposals, two goals) had a strong impact in both ends of the field. Young gun Harley Reid put on the Navy Blue for an impressive game, and Jaxon Binns (26 disposals, one goal) was busy once again in the Round 6 clash.
Quarter one
It was perfect conditions for football as the sun was shining down in Port Melbourne, and Footscray was able to take control of the contest early with its backline applying the pressure. The home side proceeded to convert the first goal of the match, while the Blues struggled to hit the scoreboard after an early flurry. Paddy Dow and Ned Cahill had hot hands on the footy early and Harley Reid came out firing with a few hard tackles, starting at the first centre bounce. A 50-metre penalty saw the Dogs kick their second, before captain Ben Crocker got his team on the board. Footscray’s defence showed its authority in keeping Carlton from scoring, but a late major from Lochie O'Brien saw the Blues pluck one just before the siren.
Quarter two
Footscray was up by 12 points at the first change, but Carlton started to find its rhythm. Tom De Koning took a terrific mark and converted the set shot, but the Bulldogs were quick to respond with a goal of their own. Lochie O'Brien continued to move the ball nicely between the arcs, and Liam McMahon and Dom Akuei were busy down back. Jaxon Binns attacked the ball nicely, rewarding himself by booting a long range goal from the 50-metre line, but the Bulldogs were able to utilise the ball a bit better from here on in throughout a contested affair. A few late goals saw Footscray finish off the term the stronger of the two teams, taking a 24-point lead into the main break.
Quarter three
Lochie O'Brien continued his lively game and Lachie Plowman held up well down back, as the Bulldogs struggled to convert their forward entries into majors with the Blues stopping the hosts from hitting the scoreboard. Ned Cahill converted a nice snap in front of goal, while the returning Matt Cottrell had some key defensive highlights in his first game of the year. Jordan Boyd battled manfully as the Blues looked to get themselves back in the contest, but the Dogs’ first goal of the quarter - in the final moments before the siren - once again saw the Blues trail by 26 points at the final change.
Quarter four
The Blues needed a quick start to reduce the lead, and that’s exactly what they did. Carlton’s leading goalkicker this season, Ben Ronke kicked a much-needed major, while the Blues’ backline showed dominance to lock the ball in Carlton’s forward half. Lachie Plowman and Liam McMahon’s aerial ability kept the Dogs at bay, while Matt Cottrell and Lochie O'Brien kicked back-to-back goals after some hard running to cut the lead to just nine points. The Blues took control of the Sherrin as Paddy Dow and Jordan Boyd provided some run, and when Michael Lewis booted a major, things started to look good for the Blues as they drew within a kick. While Carlton fought hard in the final 10 minutes to wrestle the lead, it was a case of too little too late, with the Bulldogs able to hold onto their lead.
Footscray captain Lachie Sullivan was the clear best player on the ground, using toughness and slick hands to send his team forward regularly on his way to 39 disposals, 13 clearances and five inside-50s. Caleb Poulter was terrific on the grandstand wing with 26 touches, nine marks, seven entries and a goal, while defenders Ryan Gardner (18 disposals, 11 marks), Jed Busslinger (18 disposals, nine marks, six rebounds) Luke Cleary (24 disposals, six marks) and Cody Raak (21 disposals, nine marks) played huge roles in keeping the Blues to a losing score. First-year player Jaxon Binns was Carlton’s best as he pushes for an AFL debut, showing plenty of class to compile 28 touches, six marks, six rebounds and a goal. Fellow defenders Lachie Plowman (22 disposals, six marks) and Jordan Boyd (19 disposals, five rebounds) also impressed and Alex Mirkov (40 hitouts) controlled the ruck, giving plenty of chances to Lochie O'Brien (22 disposals, six marks, six entries, two goals) and Paddy Dow (25 disposals, nine clearances, five tackles). Predicted No.1 AFL Draft pick Harley Reid won 13 touches and had five inside-50s but showed composure and decision-making skills beyond his years, while Tom de Koning had only seven touches and a goal, suffering delayed concussion symptoms after a heavy fall in the ruck, and Matt Cottrell had a promising first game of the year after injury with 18 possessions, nine marks and a goal.
6 - Luke Cleary (FB)
4 - Paddy Dow (CAR)
4 - Caleb Poulter (FB)
3 - Joel Garner (FB)
2 - Lochie O'Brien (CAR)
1 - Ryan Gardner (FB)
https://www.afl.com.au/video/914841/vfl-mini-match-r6-footscray-v-carlton?videoId=914841&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1682730300001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5145%2CAFL_ROUND%3A809&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5145,AFL_ROUND:809
HB: (20) Lachie Plowman, (25) Zac Fisher, (26) Lachlan Cowan
C: (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns, (37) Jordan Boyd
HF: (41) Domanic Akuei, (44) Matthew Owies, (45) Alex Mirkov
F: (46) Matthew Cottrell, (52) Liam McMahon, (54) Ned Cahill
R: (55) Tyreece Leiu, (57) Ben Crocker, (58) Michael Lewis
I: (63) Luke Parks, (64) Archie Stevens, (67) Ben Ronke, (00) Harley Reid, (79) Jack Lefroy
Despite putting up a fight in torrential conditions, the Carlton Reserves fell by four points to the Brisbane Lions at IKON Park on Saturday morning. It was a tight match, with multiple lead changes as both teams fought hard for the contest. Scores were level late in the final term, but repeat entries to the Lions saw the visitors come out on top. Matt Owies made a successful return from injury, collecting 17 disposals and three goals. Zac Fisher (32 disposals) was impressive in the midfield, while youngster Harley Reid (21 disposals, eight marks) showcased his skill and physicality in the wet.
Quarter one
The weather caused some slippery football and fumbles but Brisbane was able to take control, registering the first goal of the match. Zac Fisher and Archie Stevens moved the ball well, creating scoring opportunities for the Blues, but they were unable to convert. Dom Akuei had some defensive highlights, as well as Lachie Plowman who was also aggressive in the backline. Matt Cottrell took a mark inside 50, converting the Blues’ first goal 14 minutes in. The Blues had a bit more of the ball in the second half of the quarter, but the Lions did well at stopping them from hitting the scoreboard. Brisbane kicked a late major, seeing the Blues trail by nine points at the end of the first charge.
Quarter two
The rain stopped and started early on in the game, but the heavens opened at the start of the second quarter. Alex Mirkov started to get on top in the ruck, and the wet conditions allowed the Blues to find their feet with their contested style of play. Paddy Dow and Jaxon Binns started to get busy in the midfield, while Reid threw his weight around with some hard tackles. Matt Cottrell secured his second goal of the match in driving rain, as slippery conditions made for some turnovers and fumbles. Liam McMahon converted a set shot, but the Lions quickly responded with a goal of their own which saw the Blues lead by one point at half time.
Quarter three
The rain finally settled down, and Brisbane came out hot, scoring a goal three minutes in to take back the lead. But as it was all game, the Blues responded, with a nice handball from Harry Lemmey to find Matt Owies to collect his first goal from close range. The Lions booted a major, but Carlton were right there to return the favour, with McMahon kicking his second. Jordan Boyd began to intercept behind the ball, but the Lions were able to soccer one through late in the quarter, taking back the lead by four points.
Quarter four
Brisbane brought back the same pressure as they had in the first quarter, and started to take control of the footy early in the final charge. They kicked the first two goals bringing their lead up to 16 points, but the Blues started to pick up the pace. A beautiful kick from Reid found Ben Crocker who hit the scoreboard, before Matt Owies snagged back-to-back goals to give the Blues the lead once again by a solitary point. Matt Cottrell was combative in transition while Paddy Dow battled hard around the ball, before the ball started to live in the Lions’ forward half. In the final 10 minutes, the Blues struggled to create scoring opportunities, as consecutive behinds to the Lions meant the Blues fell four points short for the second week in a row.
The Lions controlled the dying stages, missing several chances to put Carlton away as their last six attacking forays resulted in behinds, but it proved to be enough as the home team couldn’t find a winning goal. Lyons starred for the Lions with 32 touches, seven clearances, 10 inside-50s and a goal, while fellow AFL selection contenders Deven Robertson (31 disposals, eight clearances, six tackles), Rhys Mathieson (28 disposals, six marks, six clearances, one goal), Darcy Fort (21 disposals, five marks, 23 hitouts, 10 clearances) and Callum Ah Chee (20 disposals, seven marks, five rebounds) kept the pressure on the incumbents. Zac Fisher responded to his AFL omission in the best possible way with 32 possessions and six clearances for the Blues, Paddy Dow (26 disposals, five marks, five tackles) was again prolific, Jaxon Binns (24 disposals) continues to close in on an AFL debut and Archie Stevens (21 disposals, five marks, six tackles) and Jack Carroll (21 disposals, six marks) were also good. Possible No.1 AFL Draft pick Harley Reid didn’t take long to find his feet at the level, picking up 21 touches, eight marks, nine tackles and five inside-50s in a classy second game.
7 - Matthew Owies (CAR)
5 - Darcy Fort (BL)
4 - Callum Ah Chee (BL)
2 - Kai Lohmann (BL)
2 - Deven Robertson (BL)
1 - Dom Akuei (CAR)
1 - Zac Fisher (CAR)
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1325962/vfl-r7-all-carlton-highlights-v-brisbane?videoId=1325962&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1683502800001
BYE
HB: (17) Brodie Kemp, (58) Michael Lewis, (26) Lachlan Cowan
C: (32) Jaxon Binns, (25) Zac Fisher, (63) Luke Parks
HF: (57) Ben Crocker, (8) Lachie Fogarty, (36) Josh Honey
F: (12) Tom De Koning, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (31) Harry Lemmey
R: (45) Alex Mirkov, (2) Paddy Dow, (74) Logan Prout
I: (54) Ned Cahill, (51) Heath Ramshaw, (68) Nate Caddy, (67) Ben Ronke, (76) Lachlan Swaney
The Carlton Reserves battled hard in blustery conditions on Sunday afternoon, seeing but ultimately fell by 20 points to Williamstown at DSV Stadium. The Blues hit the ground running, kicking out to a 17-point lead at the end of the first quarter in a game dictated by the breeze. The last quarter saw a few lead changes and physical football, but the Seagulls were able to secure the win at home. Caleb Marchbank made an impact in his first game of the season, getting through unscathed and working his way back in nicely in limited game time. In his first game back after a concussion layoff, Tom De Koning collected 23 disposals and 34 hitouts, while Paddy Dow (41 disposals), Lachie Fogarty (29 disposals, seven tackles) and Jaxon Binns (30 disposals) were all busy.
Quarter one
The Blues came out firing with Ben Ronke opened proceedings kicking the first major of the match, kicking with the wind in the opening term. Paddy Dow had hot hands on the footy early, and Tom De Koning was dominant in the ruck. Brodie Kemp and Luke Parks were both combative in defence, but the Seagulls kicked their first goal of the quarter 15 minutes in against the breeze. From long range, Lachlan Cowan booted a major shortly after, who had displayed plenty of run off a half-back flank. The Seagulls started to apply the pressure, but Northern Knights product Nate Caddy kicked one just before the siren to see the Blues lead by 17 points at the end of the first change.
Quarter two
The home side took control in the second quarter, kicking three consecutive goals in the first 10 minutes seeing them take the lead by two points. The football was in the Seagulls’ forward half for most of the quarter, as Carlton struggled to generate any rebound given the conditions. Lachie Fogarty was putting some pressure on in the midfield with a few hard tackles while Alex Mirkov and Tom De Koning continued to dominate the hit-outs, but the Blues were unable to take full advantage, with Williamstown kick another goal late in the quarter. Jaxon Binns helped move the ball nicely and found Ronke who kicked his second goal, cutting the Seagulls lead to 11 points at the main break.
Quarter three
Some great ball movement from the Blues saw Heath Ramshaw convert a goal nine minutes in. Caleb Marchbank had a heavy presence in defence this quarter, applying the pressure and taking some intercept marks. Caddy took to the skies, taking a terrific mark before kicking his second of the match to give the Blues a one-point lead. It became a tight contest from there, with physical football from both teams. Lachie Fogarty had a strong second half, getting his hands on the Sherrin, while Paddy Dow picked up from where he left off in the first half. Ned Cahill kicked a smart goal 21 minutes in, but Williamstown was right on Carlton’s tail, with a 50-metre penalty saw them bring the margin back to under a kick. Brodie Kemp and Luke Parks carried on down back, taking a few intercept marks to preserve the Blues’ narrow lead.
Quarter four
Williamstown came out hot, kicking a goal two minutes in to take back the lead. Harry Lemmey took a terrific mark and rewarded himself with a goal, but as had been the case throughout the day, the team with the wind - this time, the Seagulls - heavily dominated the quarter. While the Blues fought hard to generate some offence, the Seagulls’ defence held firm. A long-range goal from Williamstown at the 24-minute mark sealed the result, with the Blues falling by 20 points come the final siren.
Marty Hore (27 disposals, 15 marks, 15 rebounds) once again proved impassable in defence for Williamstown, with 10 of his grabs being intercepts as Carlton bombed the ball in repeatedly, with Oscar McDonald (16 disposals, seven marks, 12 rebounds) also doing as he pleased with young Blues Harry Lemmey and Hudson O’Keeffe unable to get into the game. Harry Jones (21 disposals, nine clearances), 298-gamer Ben Jolley (20 disposals, five marks) and Mitch Cox (19 disposals, six marks, six entries, one goal) did well in the middle and Joel Ottavi (eight marks, three goals) and Darby Henderson (18 disposals, six entries, two goals) were dangerous in attack. Carlton Ball magnet Paddy Dow can’t do any more week-in-week-out to get an AFL game, and he piled up 41 possessions, five marks, 11 clearances, and 11 inside-50s. Tom de Koning (24, eight marks, 34 hitouts, 10 clearances, nine inside-50s) had the better of star Seagull Tom Downie and Jaxon Binns (30 disposals, five tackles, five entries), Lachie Fogarty (29 disposals, seven clearances, seven tackles), Brodie Kemp (23 disposals, seven marks, six entries, six rebounds) and Lachie Plowman (23 disposals, five marks, nine rebounds) were also good.
7 - Paddy Dow (CAR)
7 - Joel Ottavi (WIL)
5 - Tom De Koning (CAR)
1 - Mitch Cox (WIL)
1 - Harry Jones (WIL)
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1337811/vfl-r9-all-carlton-highlights-v-williamstown?videoId=1337811&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1684726384001
HB: (20) Lachie Plowman, (22) Caleb Marchbank, (25) Zac Fisher
C: (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns, (33) Lewis Young
HF: (36) Josh Honey, (39) Alex Cincotta, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe
F: (41) Domanic Akuei, (45) Alex Mirkov, (51) Heath Ramshaw
R: (52) Liam McMahon, (54) Ned Cahill, (63) Luke Parks
I: (64) Archie Stevens, (66) Aiden Mills, (67) Ben Ronke, (74) Logan Prout, (57) Ben Crocker
The Carlton Reserves put on a show on Friday evening, recording a thumping 52-point win against Sydney at the SCG. After a competitive two quarters, the Blues started to take control with a strong second half, booting 10 goals to take home a much-needed win. The Blues shared the love as there were 11 different goalkickers for the match, with Ned Cahill leading the pack with three. Zac Fisher (40 disposals, one goal) and Paddy Dow (36 disposals, one goal) got the Blues going out of the midfield, while Alex Mirkov (37 hitouts) was again busy in the ruck.
Quarter one
Lochie O'Brien opened proceedings with the first major of the match two minutes in, while the Swans struggled to convert despite some early hands on the footy. Alex Mirkov did well early and Jack Silvagni made an impact in a new role, having a strong presence in the backline. Sydney kicked the next two goals, but some good work from Harry Lemmey ended in Josh Honey taking a strong mark and rewarding himself with a goal. Ben Ronke had some excellent defensive highlights against some familiar faces, as did Luke Parks, who was typically combative in defence. The Blues’ midfield did well at creating plays further afield, with Zac Fisher, Paddy Dow, Lochie O'Brien and Jaxon Binns all involved: however, the Swans were able to grab a two-point lead at the first change.
Quarter two
Both teams came out hard fighting for the contest, but Ronke would snap one in to strip the lead from the Swans: it was only up from here for the Blues. Jaxon Binns continued to work the ball nicely down the wing, while Zac Fisher continued to see plenty of the ball with 20 disposals to the main break. The Sherrin found skipper Ben Crocker, who in turn assisted Liam McMahon after a pack mark close to goal. Dom Akuei provided a defensive highlight with a brilliant one-handed intercept mark, before an answering goal from Sydney was immediately countered through Zac Fisher. ((Alex Mirkov’)'s ruck work saw the Blues start to dominate the midfield battle, while Harry Lemmey and Crocker - via a remarkable snap - extended their buffer. However, a burst of momentum from the Swans saw them record back-to-back goals late in the quarter, cutting the Blues’ lead to nine points at the end of the first half.
Quarter three
Two minutes into the third quarter, Cahill scores back-to-back goals to stretch the Blues’ lead. Jack Silvagni and Luke Parks continued their solid showings down back, as did Caleb Marchbank, who found more and more of the ball in his second game of the season. A long-range goal to the Swans was matched by Hudson O’Keeffe, before McMahon collected his second shortly after with some great ball movement from Zac Fisher. Archie Stevens continued to be busy in the midfield, and beautiful ball movement from the Blues ended in Cahill’s third of the quarter. Paddy Dow polished the third term off with a goal moments before the siren, given the Blues a 34-point lead heading into the final term.
Quarter four
A perfect transition down the line ended in Lochie O'Brien who ran into an open goal converting his second of the match 3 minutes into the quarter. The Blues were dominant in the first half of the final term, as the ball lived mostly in their forward half. Ronke collected his second from a set shot, with the Blues’ on-ball brigade given them the upper hand. There was no slowing down for Carlton, with a running goal from Jaxon Binns followed by Crocker’s second. The Swans kicked their first goal of the quarter 23 minutes in, but the damage was done for the Blues, with a massive second half securing their fate in a 52-point win.
Archie Stevens (35 disposals, six marks, eight clearances, six inside-50s), Jaxon Binns (31 disposals, five entries, five rebounds, one goal), Alex Cincotta (31 disposals, eight marks, five rebounds), Lochie O'Brien (28 disposals, eight marks, seven entries, two goals), Jack Silvagni (26 disposals, 10 marks, five entries, five rebounds), Cahill (21 disposals, eight marks, three goals) and Lachie Plowman (24 disposals, five marks) also stuffed the stats sheet and Luke Parks took 10 marks and had five rebounds down back. Angus Sheldrick (36 disposals, nine clearances, six entries) and Dylan Stephens (35 disposals, five clearances, 12 entries, five rebounds, one goal) were everywhere for Sydney and Lachie Rankin (23 disposals, seven marks, seven rebounds), Caleb Mitchell (21 disposals, six marks, one goal), Will Gould (21 disposals, five marks, six rebounds), Hamish Morrison (22 disposals, seven marks) also tried hard.
7 - Alex Cincotta (CAR)
7 - Paddy Dow (CAR)
2 - Archie Stevens (CAR)
2 - Dylan Stephens (SS)
1 - Ned Cahill (CAR)
1 - Lochie O'Brien (CAR)
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1346249/vfl-r10-all-carlton-highlights-v-sydney?videoId=1346249&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1685327505001
HB: (22) Caleb Marchbank, (26) Lachlan Cowan, (28) David Cuningham
C: (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns, (35) Ed Curnow
HF: (36) Josh Honey, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (41) Domanic Akuei
F: (51) Heath Ramshaw, (52) Liam McMahon, (55) Tyreece Leiu
R: (57) Ben Crocker, (58) Michael Lewis, (62) Hayden Gill
I: (63) Luke Parks, (64) Archie Stevens, (66) Aiden Mills, (67) Ben Ronke, (74) Logan Prout
The Carlton Reserves came out on top against Frankston on Saturday afternoon at IKON Park after a nailbiter fourth quarter saw the Blues win by three points. A rare sight late in the fourth quarter saw Lachie Plowman kick a huge goal to secure the win for the Blues. While the Dolphins pushed hard to take back the lead, some great defence from Lachlan Cowan stopped them in their tracks. David Cuningham (21 disposals) and Jack Martin (18 disposals) both had successful returns, while Jaxon Binns was best afield with a match-leading 34 disposals. VFL-listed Blues Ben Ronke and Aiden Mills kicked two goals each.
Quarter one
While there were some wet conditions around, IKON Park was lucky enough to see no rain. Frankston came out hot in the contest, opening proceedings by booting the first two goals the game. The Dolphins applied the pressure this quarter and saw a lot more of the ball, and while there were a few scoring opportunities for the Blues, they were unable to convert. Binns had hot hands on the Sherrin early, and Mills kicked the Blues’ first goal - and his first VFL career goal - 15 minutes in. After a slow start, Carlton picked up the pace as Michael Lewis snapped one in from just inside the 50-metre line to give Carlton the lead by one point. The Blues struggled to win clearances from the centre, as the Dolphins took control from here on in, kicking the next four goals of the quarter to see the Blues trail by 23 points at the first change.
Quarter two
Cowan began to get busy down back, while Caleb Marchbank took some strong intercept marks as Carlton’s defensive system held firm. Both teams struggled to hit the scoreboard in the early going, but some physical football saw both teams fight hard for the contest. The Dolphins’ inaccuracy in the early portion of the quarter gave the Blues a chance to capitalise, and that’s exactly what they did. Mills converted his second goal from a downfield free kick, and soon after, the ball found Hayden Gill who took a terrific mark just outside the goal square rewarding himself with a goal. Josh Honey’s hunt for the footy was rewarded with a major, while Domanic Akuei and Jack Martin made some hard tackles each and Binns continued to be busy between the arcs. Harry Lemmey kicked a much-needed goal for the Blues 27 minutes in, cutting the margin to only one point at the main break.
Quarter three
The Dolphins came out with some authority, scoring a goal to start the second half and extend their lead to seven points. David Cuningham, who worked his way into the game in the second term, moved the ball nicely, ending in a scrap in the goal square which saw Ronke gather, snap truly and level the scores. However, the Dolphins were right on the Blues’ tail, answering with a goal of their own once again. Fogarty saw a lot more of the ball, with his clean hands a feature, with Archie Stevens also getting involved and Hudson O’Keeffe taking control in the ruck. After the Dolphins did well at stopping the Blues creating attacking opportunities, a late soccer at the 27-minute mark stretched their lead to 12 points.
Quarter four
Carlton’s intentions were known early, as from the middle, Binns found Ben Crocker, with the captain kicking the opening goal of the term in the first minute. Frankston responded with a goal shortly after as both teams continued to fight for the contest, but conversion in front of goal remained an issue for either side. Fogarty’s pressure at the contest stood out while Luke Parks intercepted well down back. A burst of momentum for the Blues saw Ronke collect his second to cut the lead to just six points, before a number of other attacking opportunities were unable to hit the mark. It was left to the unlikeliest source to give the Blues the lead, with a huge kick from Plowman - tight on the boundary 50 metres from goal - nudging the Blues ahead at the 24-minute mark. The Dolphins started to push, but a great defensive highlight from Cowan saw the Blues hold onto their lead come the final siren.
6 - Kai Owens (FRA)
5 - Archie Stevens (CAR)
4 - Matt Johnson (FRA)
3 - Ben Crocker (CAR)
2 - Ryley Stoddart (FRA)
1 - Bailey Lambert (FRA)
1 - Lachie Plowman (CAR)
https://www.afl.com.au/video/941902/vfl-mini-match-r11-carlton-v-frankston?videoId=941902&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1685765100001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5190%2CAFL_ROUND%3A814&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5190,AFL_ROUND:814
HB: (26) Lachlan Cowan, (25) Zac Fisher, (20) Lachie Plowman
C: (58) Michael Lewis, (28) David Cuningham, (4) Lochie O'Brien
HF: (36) Josh Honey, (8) Lachie Fogarty, (62) Hayden Gill
F: (52) Liam McMahon, (57) Ben Crocker, (31) Harry Lemmey
R: (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (64) Archie Stevens, (66) Aiden Mills
I: (75) Hamish Sinnott, (51) Heath Ramshaw, (67) Ben Ronke, (63) Luke Parks, (54) Ned Cahill
The Carlton reserves prevailed in an exciting match against Essendon on Sunday afternoon at IKON Park, winning by 31 points. After scores were tied during the third quarter, the Blues ended up taking control of the contest. A strong second half from Carlton, with Liam McMahon kicking three goals in the third term, saw the Blues prevail by five goals and secure their second consecutive win. David Cuningham (27 disposals, two goals) and Lachie Fogarty (27 disposals, nine score involvements) had a big impact in the Blues’ win, while VFL-listed Heath Ramshaw was best afield with 31 disposals and a goal.
Quarter one
It was a slow start for both teams as they struggled to hit the scoreboard, with Ben Ronke kicking the first major 15 minutes into the quarter. The Bombers kicked one shortly after, with high-pressure, scrappy football ensuing. Zac Fisher - who featured in a new role across half-back - and youngster Patrick Dozzi had hot hands on the footy early, while Ramshaw was busy in the middle. McMahon kicked his first of the match, while Cuningham converted a long-range goal shortly after following some strong forward pressure. Carlton took control in the second half of the quarter but the Bombers weren’t giving up easy, kicking a goal just before the end of the first term.
Quarter two
The Blues were left to play the remainder of the game without leading goalkicker Ronke, who was sidelined with a hand injury. The Bombers came out quick in the second term, kicking a goal early on, but some terrific ball movement from the Blues found Ramshaw who converted truly. After an assist from Fisher, Harry Lemmey backed it up in front of goal shortly after, as Lachie Cowan set up strongly behind the ball with a number of intercept marks. Cuningham’s pressure continued around the ball, but as Essendon responded, captain Ben Crocker converted a nice goal from near the boundary line to give the Blues a two-point lead heading into the main break.
Quarter three
It didn’t take long for the Blues to make their intentions known: Ramshaw got the ball from the middle, and again with quick ball movement, Lachie Fogarty found McMahon who collected his second goal. Fogarty lifted in the second half, as he and Lochie O’Brien provided some great forward deliveries for the Blues. Lachie Plowman was physical in the backline, providing some key defensive highlights, as McMahon converted number three at the other end. Back-to-back Essendon goals midway through the quarter levelled the scores, but Carlton’s pressure lifted from there, with Archie Stevens getting plenty of the Sherrin and youngster Hayden Gill making a statement with a strong mark and goal. Ramshaw showed great composure to find McMahon for his fourth, giving the Blues a 16-point lead heading into the final term.
Quarter four
There were a couple of scoring opportunities for the Blues to stretch their lead in the opening minutes, but they struggled to convert. The Bombers were pressing to cut the margin, scoring a goal five minutes into the quarter, but the Blues held firm early and then took control of the contest. Crocker, Gill and then Cuningham all converted their second majors, with the latter’s classy goal shutting the door on the Bombers. Josh Honey popped one in just before the final siren as the Blues took away the win.
5 - Liam McMahon (CAR)
4 - David Cuningham (CAR)
3 - Nick Bryan (ESS)
3 - Zac Fisher (CAR)
3 - Lachie Fogarty (CAR)
2 - Lachie Plowman (CAR)
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1356945/vfl-r12-all-carlton-highlights-v-essendon?videoId=1356945&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1686550677001
HB: (16) Jack Carroll, (25) Zac Fisher, (26) Lachlan Cowan
C: (29) George Hewett, (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns
HF: (33) Lewis Young, (36) Josh Honey, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe
F: (41) Domanic Akuei, (51) Heath Ramshaw, (52) Liam McMahon
R: (53) Patrick Dozzi, (54) Ned Cahill, (57) Ben Crocker
I: 62) Hayden Gill, (63) Luke Parks, (74) Logan Prout, (75) Hamish Sinnott, (60) Blake Kuipers
THE Carlton reserves fell short by six points in a tight match against Werribee on Saturday afternoon at Avalon Airport Oval. The scores were level late in the final term with both teams battling it out in a physical affair, but it was Werribee who converted towards the end of the last quarter at its home ground. AFL-listed players George Hewett (24 disposals, nine tackles) and Jack Carroll (23 disposals) had successful returns, having a big impact in their respective positions. Jaxon Binns was busy once again with 32 disposals, while Ned Cahill led the pack with two goals.
Quarter one
The afternoon brought some windy conditions, as the Sherrin couldn’t find its way in the goals. Werribee’s defence put the pressure on the Blues early, stopping their attacking opportunities. They had the speed and momentum on the counter attack, seeing the hosts boot the first major nine minutes in. Jaxon Binns and Jesse Motlop were busy early, with a scuffle in the Blues’ attacking goal square ending in Motlop soccering one through. Both teams traded goals, as George Hewett took to his return with some physicality around the contest and Ned Cahill kicking his first goal of the match in the midst of chaos. The Blues started to find their rhythm in the second half of the quarter, as Ben Crocker found Zac Fisher who converted from just inside 50 after pushing forward from half-back. Werribee was able to kick one just before the siren, seeing the Blues lead by one point at the end of the first term.
Quarter two
There was some scrappy football in Werribee’s forward half, but the hosts were able to kick a goal early on to take back the lead. The Blues had some attacking opportunities, but Werribee applied the pressure to thwart the team’s attempts into the breeze. AFL-listed Jack Silvagni showcased his defensive skills with some strong tackles and smothers on the ball, demonstrating the will and appetite for the contest from both teams. Werribee eventually hit the scoreboard from a set shot, despite the best attempts from Fisher and Lachie Cowan, who were solid in the backline. Youngster Blake Kuipers took a strong mark and rewarded himself with a goal, before skipper Ben Crocker followed suit directly after. A 50-metre penalty saw Werribee score from directly in front just before the siren, seeing the Blues trail by five points heading into the main break.
Quarter three
The Blues made the most of the breeze in the third term, as Harry Lemmey booted a long-range goal from the boundary line to start off the second half. Hudson O’Keeffe started to control the ruck, leading the hitouts with 25 for the match to continue his impressive recent form as solo ruck. Luke Parks and Lewis Young were combative down back, stopping Werribee’s attacking opportunities with a few intercept marks each. Binns continued to be dynamic in the midfield, alongside Cowan weaving his way out of trouble. Liam McMahon hitting the scoreboard was meant with an instant reply, before a late flurry from the Blues in the shadows of three-quarter time: O’Keeffe, Heath Ramshaw and Cahill would kick the next three goals, giving the Blues a 17-point leading into the final term.
Quarter four
Werribee came out with a burst of momentum, converting three minutes in. Their backline continued to apply the pressure, as they kept the Blues goalless for the quarter as the play lived in their forward half. Fisher and Binns kept busy, but quick back-to-back goals saw Werribee level the scores. Domanic Akuei took a huge intercept mark to stop Werribee’s chance at goal, not returning for the rest of the game but demonstrating Carlton’s willingness to fight for its third consecutive win. The last few minutes caused for some high-pressure football, as both teams fought hard to snatch the lead. But it was Werribee who were able to get one in just before the siren on the way to its ninth consecutive win.
8 - Shaun Mannagh (WER)
6 - Jaxon Binns (CAR)
4 - Zac Fisher (CAR)
2 - George Hewett (CAR)
1 - Jack Boyd (WER)
1 - Kye Declase (WER)
https://www.afl.com.au/video/951761/vfl-mini-match-r13-werribee-v-carlton?videoId=951761&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1686974700001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5208%2CAFL_ROUND%3A816&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5208,AFL_ROUND:816
BYE
HB: (16) Jack Carroll, (20) Lachie Plowman, (22) Caleb Marchbank
C: (26) Lachlan Cowan, (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns
HF: (38) Sam Durdin, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (51) Heath Ramshaw
F: (52) Liam McMahon, (53) Patrick Dozzi, (54) Ned Cahill
R: (55) Tyreece Leiu, (57) Ben Crocker, (60) Blake Kuipers
I: (62) Hayden Gill, (63) Luke Parks, (67) Ben Ronke, (72) Darcy Porter, (74) Logan Prout
The Carlton Reserves had another impressive win this week against Coburg Lions on Saturday afternoon at Piranha Park, winning by 52 points. Despite the windy conditions, the Blues got off to a good start to secure a strong lead at half time. While the final term saw the Lions pile on seven consecutive goals to cut into Carlton’s massive lead, the Blues had already secured their fate to take away another big win. Ollie Hollands (24 disposals) had a successful return after sustaining a collarbone injury in May, while Caleb Marchbank (22 disposals) was energetic down back. Jack Carroll and Jaxon Binns (one goal) were the most prolific with 32 disposals each, and Liam McMahon led the team with four goals.
Quarter one
The Blues opened up proceedings quickly as Ned Cahill found Ben Crocker who snapped truly. Hudson O’Keefe and Lochie O’Brien were dynamic in the midfield, and Sam Durdin’s presence down back was known early. Ben Ronke would collect his first of the match 14 minutes in, as the Blues defence held strong with Luke Parks, Lachie Plowman and Marchbank all involved. Coburg scored their first goal late in the quarter, and although Carlton had scoring opportunities to stretch their lead, the breeze made for a tricky assignment. It was in the last few minutes of the quarter where the Blues found some momentum, when a great transition through the corridor from the Blues saw the Sherrin land into the hands of Josh Honey, who converted his first. Ned Cahill followed suit with a clean goal shortly after, seeing the Blues lead by 23 points at the end of the first term.
Quarter two
The Blues started to take control towards the end of the first quarter, and continued to show authority in the second. Carlton was able to keep the Lions scoreless this quarter, as they pressed to stretch their lead. Honey set up his team nicely producing some clean deliveries, while Carroll had hot hands on the footy early. Liam McMahon would kick his first from set shot, followed by Binns snapping one from 40 metres out. Marchbank and Durdin continued to impress with some intercept marks behind the ball, while Parks didn’t go unnoticed applying pressure in defence. Cahill scored back-to-back goals, and O’Keeffe converted from at set shot as the Blues led by 57 points at half-time.
Quarter three
There was more of a contest this term compared to the rest, with Carlton kicking four goals to Coburg’s two. Ronke found McMahon who booted it long from the 50-metre arc to collect his second, but the Lions were right there to return the favour. McMahon would hit the scoreboard again but the ball saw a lot more of Coburg’s forward half this quarter, and their defence did well at stopping some of the Blues’ scoring opportunities. The Lions snagged another goal, as Jesse Motlop hit the scoreboard soon after, weaving his way out of trouble after starting at the centre bounce. As Coburg continued to press, Carlton’s defensive unit kept their composure, while Binns was more active on the wing in the second half. Ronke kicked his second with a classy goal from close range, seeing the Blues head into the final term with a comfortable lead.
Quarter four
As it was last week, the Blues went into the last quarter with a massive lead, but the Lions showed no signs of backing down easy. O’Brien continued to be lively in the midfield and rewarded himself with a goal, before Harry Lemmey snagged one in and McMahon converted his fourth. However, after the margin ballooned out to 87 points, the Lions piled on the next seven consecutive goals. Honey booted a long-range goal near the boundary line to break Coburg’s streak, and Ronke would collect his hat-trick late in the quarter. Even though the Lions came out with a big fourth quarter, the Blues had done their work, taking home a 52-point victory down Sydney Road.
8 - Jesse Motlop (CAR)
5 - Jaxon Binns (CAR)
3 - Lachlan Cowan (CAR)
3 - Lachie Plowman (CAR)
1 - Patrick Fairlie (NB)
https://www.afl.com.au/video/960499/vfl-mini-match-r15-carlton-v-northern-bullants?videoId=960499&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1688184300001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5227%2CAFL_ROUND%3A818&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5227,AFL_ROUND:818
HB: (16) Jack Carroll, (20) Lachie Plowman, (22) Caleb Marchbank
C: (36) Josh Honey, (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns
HF: (38) Sam Durdin, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (51) Heath Ramshaw
F: (52) Liam McMahon, (68) Mitch Moschetti, (54) Ned Cahill
R: (57) Ben Crocker, (60) Blake Kuipers
I: (63) Luke Parks, (67) Ben Ronke, (72) Darcy Porter, (74) Logan Prout, (41) Domanic Akuei, (00) Darcy Hogg
THE Carlton reserves had another impressive win this week against Coburg Lions on Saturday afternoon at Piranha Park, winning by 52 points. Despite the windy conditions, the Blues got off to a good start to secure a strong lead at half time. While the final term saw the Lions pile on seven consecutive goals to cut into Carlton’s massive lead, the Blues had already secured their fate to take away another big win. Ollie Hollands (24 disposals) had a successful return after sustaining a collarbone injury in May, while Caleb Marchbank (22 disposals) was energetic down back. Jack Carroll and Jaxon Binns (one goal) were the most prolific with 32 disposals each, and Liam McMahon led the team with four goals.
Quarter one
The Blues opened up proceedings quickly as Ned Cahill found Ben Crocker who snapped truly. Hudson O’Keefe and Lochie O’Brien were dynamic in the midfield, and Sam Durdin’s presence down back was known early. Ben Ronke would collect his first of the match 14 minutes in, as the Blues defence held strong with Luke Parks, Lachie Plowman and Marchbank all involved. Coburg scored their first goal late in the quarter, and although Carlton had scoring opportunities to stretch their lead, the breeze made for a tricky assignment. It was in the last few minutes of the quarter where the Blues found some momentum, when a great transition through the corridor from the Blues saw the Sherrin land into the hands of Josh Honey, who converted his first. Ned Cahill followed suit with a clean goal shortly after, seeing the Blues lead by 23 points at the end of the first term.
Quarter two
The Blues started to take control towards the end of the first quarter, and continued to show authority in the second. Carlton was able to keep the Lions scoreless this quarter, as they pressed to stretch their lead. Honey set up his team nicely producing some clean deliveries, while Carroll had hot hands on the footy early. Liam McMahon would kick his first from set shot, followed by Binns snapping one from 40 metres out. Marchbank and Durdin continued to impress with some intercept marks behind the ball, while Parks didn’t go unnoticed applying pressure in defence. Cahill scored back-to-back goals, and O’Keeffe converted from at set shot as the Blues led by 57 points at half-time.
Quarter three
There was more of a contest this term compared to the rest, with Carlton kicking four goals to Coburg’s two. Ronke found McMahon who booted it long from the 50-metre arc to collect his second, but the Lions were right there to return the favour. McMahon would hit the scoreboard again but the ball saw a lot more of Coburg’s forward half this quarter, and their defence did well at stopping some of the Blues’ scoring opportunities. The Lions snagged another goal, as Jesse Motlop hit the scoreboard soon after, weaving his way out of trouble after starting at the centre bounce. As Coburg continued to press, Carlton’s defensive unit kept their composure, while Binns was more active on the wing in the second half. Ronke kicked his second with a classy goal from close range, seeing the Blues head into the final term with a comfortable lead.
Quarter four
As it was last week, the Blues went into the last quarter with a massive lead, but the Lions showed no signs of backing down easy. O’Brien continued to be lively in the midfield and rewarded himself with a goal, before Harry Lemmey snagged one in and McMahon converted his fourth. However, after the margin ballooned out to 87 points, the Lions piled on the next seven consecutive goals. Honey booted a long-range goal near the boundary line to break Coburg’s streak, and Ronke would collect his hat-trick late in the quarter. Even though the Lions came out with a big fourth quarter, the Blues had done their work, taking home a 52-point victory down Sydney Road.
Jaxon Binns is banging down the door for AFL selection with a sledgehammer, piling up another 35 disposals, eight marks, six inside-50s, five rebounds and a goal to be a clear best-on-ground. Jack Carroll (32 disposals, five clearances, five entries), Jesse Motlop (25 disposals, seven entries, one goal), Caleb Marchbank (23 disposals, seven marks, five entries, five rebounds) and Ollie Hollands (23 disposals, five clearances, six tackles) also put their hands up. Ben Ronke (20 disposals, eight marks, six entries, three goals), Heath Ramshaw (25 disposals), Liam McMahon (four goals) and Ned Cahill (14 disposals, six marks, three goals) performed strongly off the VFL list. Lachlan Walker was on fire in defence for Coburg, winning 35 possessions, 12 marks and seven rebounds, Mitch Podhajski (26 disposals, seven marks, one goal) got up the ground and rookie Luke Bailey (26 disposals, six clearances, six tackles) has settled into VFL footy quickly. Meanwhile, Nathan Boucher (23 disposals, five marks, seven entries), Flynn Gentile (24 disposals, five entries), Luke Nelson (25 disposals) earned plenty of touches and Kyle Weightman and Aaron Clarke kicked three goals apiece.
5 - Caleb Marchbank (CAR)
4 - Jack Carroll (CAR)
4 - Josh Honey (CAR)
4 - Liam McMahon (CAR)
3 - Ned Cahill (CAR)
1 - Luke Bailey (COB)
1 - Lachlan Walker (COB)
BYE
HB: (20) Lachie Plowman, (22) Caleb Marchbank, (27) Marc Pittonet
C: (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns, (38) Sam Durdin
HF: (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (41) Domanic Akuei, (51) Heath Ramshaw
F: (52) Liam McMahon, (54) Ned Cahill, (57) Ben Crocker
R: (58) Michael Lewis, (66) Aiden Mills, (67) Ben Ronke
I: (68) Mitch Moschetti, (74) Logan Prout, (78) Jack Maruff, (79) Jack Lefroy, (63) Luke Parks
The Carlton reserves made it five wins from their last six games with a 36-point triumph over Port Melbourne. The Blues led at every change in the 15.15 (105) to 10.9 (69) victory, with the likes of Marc Pittonet, Caleb Marchbank and Lochie O’Brien producing vital showings. The home side went a whole half two rotations down, when the returning Corey Durdin - who started in the midfield and produced the opening assist - came from the ground early in the first quarter with a shoulder injury, while a migraine kept Jack Carroll out of the game from the second term. However, in their absence, the Blues were still able to lift, starring in the pressure stakes to secure a win that elevated them to eighth on the VFL ladder. Early inaccuracy threatened to scupper the Blues’ hands, leading by six behinds at the first change, but they were well on their way to their ninth win of the campaign after tidying things up in front of goal. It started in the middle with Pittonet, who was playing his first game back since the bye following a PCL strain. As the main ruckman, Pittonet led the way, producing 16 disposals, eight clearances and eight tackles in a physical showing from the returning big man.
In the absence of Carroll and Durdin, it was an unfamiliar midfield mix that got the job done for the Blues, with O’Brien moving inside the contest and finishing with 29 disposals and six tackles. That was the embodiment of Carlton’s game, finishing the day with 28 more tackles than its opposition. In attack, it was again an even spread in front of goal: 10 individual goalkickers contributed to the total of 15, with five multiple goalkickers kicking two apiece. Re-signed last week, Jaxon Binns (34 disposals, one goal) and Harry Lemmey (six marks, one goal) both showed further signs of why their time in the Navy Blue is continuing, while Hudson O’Keeffe contributed two majors, spending more time forward given the return of Pittonet. The band was back together from a VFL-listed point of view as Ned Cahill, Ben Crocker and Ben Ronke all shared in the spoils, while at the other end, the AFL trio of Sam Durdin, Caleb Marchbank and Lachie Plowman steadied the ship. Marchbank was particularly impressive down back, amassing 29 disposals (including nine intercept possessions) and 10 marks in another promising all-round game from the defender. Carlton will take on Collingwood this Saturday - a day after the big Friday night clash between the AFL sides - at Victoria Park, the scene of last year’s elimination final victory.
Marc Pittonet (16 disposals, 18 hitouts, eight clearances, eight tackles, one goal) worked hard around the ground against Sam Naismith (14 disposals, 27 hitouts, five clearances). Lochie O’Brien (28 disposals, 10 marks, five clearances, seven tackles, six entries) and youngsters Mitch Moschetti (23 disposals, seven clearances, five tackles, eight entries) and Heath Ramshaw (21 disposals, five clearances, five entries) were good in the midfield, while Caleb Marchbank (29 disposals, 10 marks) was magnificent in defence and Ned Cahill (21 disposals, two goals) elusive in attack. Port’s Fothergill-Round-Mitchell medallist Ethan Phillips (29 disposals, 15 marks) did his best to hold out the Blue attacks with support from Tom Hird (22 disposals, five marks, seven rebounds), Fraser Rosman (20 disposals, nine marks) and Tom Cameron (17 disposals, five marks, seven rebounds). Port Melbourne skipper Harvey Hooper (31 disposals, seven clearances, 10 entries, one goal) was again brilliant around the ball with support from Nash Holmes (25, six tackles) and Dylan Clarke (24), while Kyle Viccars had a breakout game in attack with 23 touches, five marks and four goals.
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1386418/vfl-r18-all-carlton-highlights-v-port-melbourne?videoId=1386418&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1690177946001
HB: (20) Lachie Plowman, (33) Lewis Young, (35) Ed Curnow
C: (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns, (38) Sam Durdin
HF: (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (41) Domanic Akuei, (51) Heath Ramshaw
F: (52) Liam McMahon, (54) Ned Cahill, (00) Hugo Nosiara
R: (26) Lachlan Cowan, (66) Aiden Mills, (67) Ben Ronke
I: (68) Mitch Moschetti, (74) Logan Prout, (79) Jack Lefroy, (63) Luke Parks, (36) Josh Honey
The Carlton reserves took on Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon, but unlike the Friday night clash between the two AFL sides, the Blues weren’t able to come away with the win. Falling by 28 points, it was an exciting match-up at Victoria Park, but it was in the second quarter where the Pies took charge. AFL-listed Blues Zac Fisher (30 disposals) and Jack Carroll (26 disposals, one goal) made an impact in the middle, while Lachie Cowan was impressive down back with 27 disposals.
Quarter one
The ball was in Collingwood’s hands early, converting the first major of the game two minutes in. Ned Cahill kicked his first of three goals from just inside the 50-metre line, but the Pies responded truly. Fisher was dynamic in the midfield producing some quality scoring opportunities for the Blues, with Cahill quickly securing his second. Lewis Young was active early, taking some intercept marks and applying the pressure in defence alongside Luke Parks and Lachie Plowman. Binns was similarly energetic, with a tight contest emerging as both teams put in the work. Ben Ronke snapped home at the 20-minute mark, but the Pies converted late in the quarter to see the Blues trail by four points at the end of the first charge.
Quarter two
Once again, the Pies opened up the quarter with a goal. Cowan and Young were lively in the back line, and a clean assist from Jack Carroll saw Harry Lemmey run into an open goal, but the Blues would not kick another for the rest of the quarter. With Collingwood keeping Carlton to just one goal, they started to take control, kicking back-to-back goals in quick succession. Hudson O’Keeffe dominated the ruck (33 hitouts for the game), while debutant Hugo Nosiara (six tackles) produced some physical football in his debut. Carlton saw a few scoring opportunities but struggled to convert, as Collingwood kicked another goal just before the siren to stretch their lead by 22 points.
Quarter three
Collingwood converted the first three goals to start off the second half, but also managed to stop the Blues in their tracks when they looked to create meaningful chances going forward. In the second half of the term, however, the Blues start to convert their attacking opportunities, with Jack Lefroy, Ronke and Cahill all finding form in front of the big sticks. Sam Durdin made his presence known in the back line after starting up forward, while Jack Carroll had some key moments in the midfield, rewarding himself with a classy goal. The Pies continued to push, thwarting the Blues’ momentum with a late goal to see Carlton trail by 30 points at the final change.
Quarter four
Collingwood came out with speed and scored early in the quarter, but inaccuracy left the Blues with a chance to get back in the contest. They continued to push, as Lefroy kicking his second goal minutes in before assisting Liam McMahon, who goaled against his old side. Some scrappy football from both sides inside Carlton’s forward 50 was eventually cleaned up by Lochie O’Brien who scooped it up and snapped truly, but although the Blues battled hard in the final term, it was a case of too little too late. A Collingwood goal just before the final siren saw Carlton fall at the home of the old enemy.
Josh Carmichael (28 disposals, six clearances, six entries), Trey Ruscoe (24 disposals, eight marks) and Campbell Hustwaite (24 disposals, seven clearances, six tackles) were also prominent. Up forward Ash Johnson (eight marks, 4.4) and Nathan Kreuger (four marks, 3.1) were too big for the Blues’ backline and Jack Ginnivan (16 disposals, two goals) was lively at their feet. Jaxon Binns once again starred for Carlton in a brilliant first season at VFL level, earning 32 disposals, taking 11 marks and laying seven tackles as he roamed all over the ground and Lachie Cowan (28 disposals, seven marks, eight rebounds) was in fine touch down back. Zac Fisher (30 disposals, six entries), Jack Carroll (26 disposals, six entries, one goal) and Ben Ronke (19 disposals, six entries, two goals) played well, while Hudson O’Keeffe had a run in the ruck and did well with 33 hitouts, while Ned Cahill kicked three goals.
https://www.afl.com.au/video/989231/vfl-mini-match-r19-collingwood-v-carlton?videoId=989231&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1690599900001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5255%2CAFL_ROUND%3A822&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5255,AFL_ROUND:822
BYE
HB: (37) Jordan Boyd, (26) Lachlan Cowan, (20) Lachie Plowman
C: (4) Lochie O'Brien, (16) Jack Carroll, (32) Jaxon Binns
HF: (36) Josh Honey, (57) Ben Crocker, (67) Ben Ronke
F: (54) Ned Cahill, (52) Liam McMahon, (31) Harry Lemmey
R: (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (34) Sam Philp, (35) Ed Curnow
I: (66) Aiden Mills, (51) Heath Ramshaw, (58) Michael Lewis, (00) Hugo Nosiara, (63) Luke Parks
The Carlton Reserves had an exciting match up against Casey Demons on Sunday afternoon at IKON Park, winning by eight points. The Blues were up for the whole match, but the Demons did not back down easy. In a nail-biting fourth quarter, Carlton led by less than a goal halfway through the term: however, just like their AFL counterparts the night before, they showed fight and grit to secure the win. Jordan Boyd had a successful return from suspension with 25 disposals and a goal in a best-on-ground performance. Jack Carroll put on a show in the midfield collecting 24, while Ned Cahill was once again active converting four first-half goals. In his first game for over 12 months, Sam Philp made a successful return to action, emerging unscathed in the eight-point win.
Quarter one
Carlton came out with the momentum early but struggled to convert, and a tight contest made it hard for both teams to kick the opening goal. Lochie O'Brien was busy between the arcs, leading the disposals in the first quarter, while Sam Durdin was involved early in the backline, with help from Lewis Young and Luke Parks. Ben Ronke made an impression early staying active around the ball, rewarding himself by kicking the first goal of the quarter 10 minutes in. Jordan Boyd was dynamic behind the ball, before the Sherrin found its way to Ned Cahill who snapped his first goal from the boundary line. While the ball lived in Carlton’s hands for most of the quarter, Casey recorded back-to-back goals just before the siren, seeing the Blues lead by two points at the first change.
Quarter two
Sam Durdin continued down back, taking some big intercept marks to stop the Demons from hitting the scoreboard. Young read the ball well, and slick ball movement from the Blues led to a mark to Dom Akuei - who played up forward - who hit the scoreboard from a set shot. Josh Honey produced some physical football, making a few hard tackles, while Ned Cahill and Liam McMahon converted back-to-back goals for the Blues. Some scrappy football in front of the Blues goal square saw Cahill soccer one in to collect his third. Like it was in the first, the Demons did not see much of the ball early, but they kicked back-to-back goals late in the quarter to cut the margin. Carlton responded swiftly, with Cahill booting another goal to make it four for the half. However, the Demons were right on their tail, converting another two goals just before the siren to cut the Blues’ lead to eight points heading into half time.
Quarter three
Captain Ben Crocker opened up the second term, using his speed to kick a clean goal. However the Demons came out with authority, kicking back-to-back goals in quick succession as had been the trend of the afternoon. The Blues had the lead the entirety of the match, but the Demons continued to push, keeping themselves in the game. Jack Carroll had some midfield highlights, producing scoring opportunities for the Blues, and Jaxon Binns was lively to start the second half, having hot hands on the footy. Jordan Boyd was dynamic all day, and converted a long-range goal at the 20-minute mark. The Demons had a few chances to try snatch the lead, but inaccuracy saw the Blues hold onto their lead by seven points leading into the final term.
Quarter four
Casey came out hot, but the Carlton defence did well to stop them from scoring with Lachie Plowman, Jordan Boyd and Sam Durdin all involved. The Blues found their way to the goal posts, with Ben Ronke there to put it away and open up a handy gap. The Demons were able to respond shortly after, making for a tense end to the game. Sam Durdin stepped up when it mattered, producing some solid defence and intercept marks, while Luke Parks continued to impress and apply the pressure. After defending for the majority of the quarter, the Blues were able to rebound from the Demons’ attacking 50, before a free kick to Liam McMahon saw him find Josh Honey for a crucial goal. In what was a nail-biter of a finish, Casey had a few shots on goal to close the game but couldn’t convert, seeing Carlton emerge with a big win at its home ground.
Smithy's VFL Round 21 Review
Carlton led all day to stun Casey Demons by eight points at IKON Park on Sunday in a result that turned the finals race on its head. The Blues virtually locked up their spot in the top 10, ended the Demons’ hopes of sneaking into the top four while leaving them on the precipice of dropping out of the six. It also killed off the seasons of 2022 grand finalist Southport, as well as GWS as they watched helplessly from north of the border. It was all done in a single burst out of quarter-time where the home team booted four goals in 10 minutes – two to Ned Cahill including a volley that did his legendary Socceroos namesake Tim proud – to turn a two-point lead into 26 and leave the reigning premiers shellshocked. Casey battled back as all good teams do, getting to within nine points at half-time and three when George Gray kicked a goal in the 10th minute, but Carlton defended stoutly knowing its season depended on it with a daunting Round 22 trip to Gold Coast on the horizon and never relinquished the lead. The Blues’ defensive efforts were even starker given the Demons had 13 more inside-50s and the top five possession winners on the ground, led by Luke Dunstan who amassed 39 disposals, seven marks, eight clearances, seven tackles and a goal.
Bailey Laurie (30 disposals, six tackles, five entries, one goal), James Harmes (30 disposals, nine entries), Charlie Spargo (28 disposals, seven entries, one goal) and Taj Woewodin (25 disposals, five clearances, five tackles) were also lively through the middle, while Adam Tomlinson (29 disposals, eight marks, six entries, nine rebounds) was almost impassable when the ball went in his direction. But Carlton’s runners were simply too slick with Jordan Boyd returning from an AFL suspension to push for best afield honours with 26 possessions, five marks, seven rebounds and a goal, while Jaxon Binns’ remarkable debut season continued with 26 disposals, 10 marks and five rebounds. Jack Carroll (24 disposals, eight clearances, five entries) and Lewis Young (22 disposals, seven marks, six rebounds) also shone for the Blues, while Cahill was deadly in attack with six marks and four goals.
https://www.afl.com.au/video/1007848/vfl-mini-match-r21-carlton-v-casey?videoId=1007848&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1691892000001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5275%2CAFL_ROUND%3A824&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5275,AFL_ROUND:824
HB: (19) Corey Durdin, (20) Lachie Plowman, (26) Lachlan Cowan
C: (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns, (33) Lewis Young
HF: (34) Sam Philp,(37) Jordan Boyd, (38) Sam Durdin
F: (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (41) Domanic Akuei, (51) Heath Ramshaw
R: (52) Liam McMahon, (54) Ned Cahill, (57) Ben Crocker
I: (58) Michael Lewis, (63) Luke Parks, (66) Aiden Mills, (67) Ben Ronke, (00) Hugo Nosiara
Gold Coast had 136 more disposals, won hitouts 53-34, clearances 51-17 and inside-50 entries 68-28 in an ominous show of power ahead of a guaranteed two home finals in the next month – even though the first one is now a QClash. Chris Burgess slammed on six goals in the first half and eight for the match from 10 marks while teammate Brodie McLaughlin booted five with nine grabs as they had the luxury of working out a way to share the Frosty Miller Medal for the league’s leading goalkicker with 51 majors apiece, the second straight such win for Burgess. Charlie Constable (41 disposals, five marks, five rebounds) did as he pleased off half-back and he had plenty of mates, with Alex Davies (31 disposals, 13 clearances, seven tackles, one goal), Oskar Faulkhead (29 disposals, seven clearances, six tackles, seven entries, two goals), James Tsitas (30 disposals, six tackles, six entries, one goal), Elijah Hollands (30 disposals, five clearances, one goal) and Connor Blakely (26 disposals, six marks, seven clearances, seven entries) proving unstoppable. Not surprisingly, Carlton’s most prolific players were in defence, where first-year star Jaxon Binns (27 disposals, five tackles, five rebounds), Lewis Young (22 disposals, 15 marks, eight rebounds), Lachie Cowan (23 disposals, eight marks, five tackles, seven rebounds) and Sam Durdin (21 disposals, 10 marks) did their best to hold back the tidal wave.
https://www.afl.com.au/video/1012613/vfl-mini-match-r22-gold-coast-v-carlton?videoId=1012613&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1692404700001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5276%2CAFL_ROUND%3A825&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5276,AFL_ROUND:825
1st Wildcard Match - Collingwood 21.9.135 d Richmond 8.12.60
2nd Wildcard Match - Casey Demons 20.14.134 d North Melbourne 5.3.33
2nd Qualifying Final - Werribee Tigers 11.14.80 d Box Hill Hawks 8.12.60
1st Elimination Final - Williamstown 12.10.82 d Collingwood 3.9.27
2nd Elimination Final - Footscray Bulldogs 22.16.148 d Casey Demons 10.9.69
2nd Semi Final - Brisbane Lions 12.16.88 d Williamstown 7.6.48
2nd Preliminary Final - Gold Coast Suns 12.16.88 d Box Hill Hawks 11.7.73
Coach: Luke Power
Captain: Ben Crocker
Best & Fairest: Jaxon Binns
Position: 11th
Premier: Gold Coast Suns
Carlton's 2023 Reserves Team Squad.
50 - Zavier Maher (VC)
51 - Heath Ramshaw
52 - Liam McMahon
53 - Patrick Dozzi
54 - Ned Cahill
55 - Tyreece Leiu
56 - Sam Grant
57 - Ben Crocker (C)
58 - Michael Lewis
60 - Blake Kuipers
61 - Ethan Bentley
62 - Hayden Gill
63 - Luke Parks
64 - Archie Stevens
65 - Jed Brererton
66 - Aiden Mills
67 - Ben Ronke
68 - Mitch Moschetti
69 - Charlie Brauer
70 - Noah Barnes
71 - Nathan Scollo
72 - Darcy Porter
73 - Ben Moyle
74 - Logan Prout
75 - Hamish Sinnott
76 - Lachlan Swaney (VC)
77 - Will White
78 - Jack Maruff
79 - Jack Lefroy
80 - Eli Pearce
2023 Smithy's VFL Review - Carlton
A final-round horror show brought a disappointing end to what had been a promising season for Carlton.A final-round horror show brought a disappointing end to what had been a promising season for Carlton.
BY THE NUMBERS
Position: 11thW-L-D (%): 10-8 (106.5%)
Players used: 57
Played every match: 1 – Luke Parks
AFL players used: 32 (218 matches)
Ex-AFL players: 5 (86 matches)
Debutants: 17 – Jaxon Binns, Nate Caddy, Lachlan Cowan, Hayden Gill, George Hewett*, Darcy Hogg, Oliver Hollands, Blake Kuipers, Jack Lefroy, Harry Lemmey, Jack Maruff, Aiden Mills, Hugo Nosiara, Hudson O’Keeffe, Darcy Porter, Logan Prout, Harley Reid (*previously played NEAFL)
STAR PERFORMERS
Best and Fairest: 1st: Jaxon Binns, 2nd: Paddy Dow and Lachie Plowman, 4th: Ned Cahill, 5th: Ben Ronke, 6th: Luke ParksJ.J. Liston Trophy Votes: Paddy Dow (17), Jaxon Binns 11, Ned Cahill (5), Zac Fisher 5.
Coaches MVP Votes: 11th Paddy Dow 56, 17th Jaxon Binns 42, 86th Ned Cahill 19.
VFL Team of the Year representatives: Jaxon Binns
Goalkickers: Ned Cahill (28), Ben Ronke (28), Liam McMahon (18)
STAT LEADERS
(Averages – minimum 6 matches)Disposals: Paddy Dow (31.4), Jaxon Binns (29.2), Zac Fisher (29.0)
Kicks: Jaxon Binns (21.1), Paddy Dow (15.0), Lochie O'Brien (14.0)
Handballs:Paddy Dow (16.4), Zac Fisher (15.3), Archie Stevens (12.1)
Marks: Jaxon Binns (7.9), Sam Durdin (7.5), Ben Crocker (6.5)
Tackles: Lachie Fogarty (5.7), Paddy Dow (4.5), Archie Stevens (3.9)
Hitouts: Alex Mirkov (35.6), Hudson O’Keeffe (15.9), Harry Lemmey (4.5)
Clearances: Paddy Dow (8.0), Lachie Fogarty (4.9), Archie Stevens (4.7)
Inside-50s: Paddy Dow (6.5), Jack Carroll (4.7), Jaxon Binns (4.5)
Rebound-50s: Lachlan Cowan (4.8), Jaxon Binns (4.6), Lachie Plowman (3.8)
WHAT WENT RIGHT
The Blues were competitive in almost every game, with their biggest losing margin in Victoria being the 28-point defeat to Collingwood in Round 19. They won the games they were expected to win and were pretty good in close finishes with a 4-3 record in single-figure margins and the defeats being to Werribee, Brisbane Lions and Footscray who all made the top six. Jaxon Binns produced a stunning debut year and showed himself as a player of the future to win the best and fairest and make the VFL Team of the Year. Jaxon Binns averaged 29.2 disposals, 7.9 marks, 4.6 rebounds, 4.5 inside-50s and booted eight goals. Carlton made him serve his apprenticeship, but don’t expect to see him in the VFL much longer. Paddy Dow and Zac Fisher also showed themselves to be above the level.WHAT WENT WRONG
It all comes down to one game. The Blues were in the top 10 for most of the season and seemed certain to make the finals for the second straight year when they stunned reigning premier Casey Demons in Round 21 to be well clear of 11th-placed North Melbourne on percentage with one round to play. They only needed to avoid a flogging from the Gold Coast Suns at Heritage Bank Stadium to book their finals place. What followed was a debacle as the premiership-bound Suns dealt out a record 127-point hammering. The result meant the Kangaroos could lose to Richmond by approximately less than 10 goals on the final day of the season and still make the finals, which they duly did. Carlton’s second biggest defeat was one of its other interstate trips, going down to the GWS Giants by 39 points in Round 2 as they went 1-2 on the road. That will be a focus for improvement next year.SUMMARY
After going within two goals of a preliminary final in 2022, this season was heading along the same trajectory until that last-round horror show. It means 2023 can’t be considered a success, although there were plenty of ticks along the way. Young talls Hudson O’Keeffe and Harry Lemmey showed signs up forward and chopped out Alex Mirkov before taking over in the ruck when the big man’s season ended prematurely. The next step for both is more goals, given they kicked just 20 between them, which left too much for their smalls to do, even though Ned Cahill and Ben Ronke booted 28 each. Young VFL-lister Archie Stevens was another positive, making the club’s top three in handballs, tackles and clearances. The fact their defence performed better than the three teams that tipped them out of the Wildcard Round should chasten them even further.GRADE
5/10Home and Away Season
Round 1, 2023.
| CARLTON | 2.2.14 | 4.4.28 | 7.8.50 | 10.9 (69) |
| GEELONG | 5.4.34 | 7.8.50 | 11.10.76 | 12.13 (85) |
| Venue: | Ikon Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Friday 24th March, 2023 (7.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 16 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Ben Crocker 2.1, Ben Ronke 2.1, Ned Cahill 1.2, Hudson O'Keeffe 1.1, Harry Lemmey 1.0, Josh Honey 1.0, Heath Ramshaw 1.0, Zavier Maher 1.0, Alex Cincotta 0.1, Rushed 0.3. | |||
| Best: | Paddy Dow, Lachie Plowman, Brodie Kemp, Archie Stevens, Jack Carroll, Ned Cahill. | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
NEW: Jaxon Binns, 18, Berwick/Dandenong Stingrays; Harry Lemmey, 19, West Adelaide; Liam McMahon, 20, Collingwood; Hudson O'Keeffe, 18, Camberwell/Oakleigh Chargers; Ben Ronke, 25, Sydney
Team
B: (2) Paddy Dow, (4) Lochie O'Brien, (8) Lachie FogartyHB: (16) Jack Carroll, (17) Brodie Kemp, (20) Lachie Plowman
C: (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns
HF: (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (36) Josh Honey, (38) Sam Durdin
F: (39) Alex Cincotta, (41) Domanic Akuei, (45) Alex Mirkov
R: (50) Zavier Maher, (51) Heath Ramshaw, (52) Liam McMahon
I: (54) Ned Cahill, (55) Tyreece Leiu, (57) Ben Crocker, (63) Luke Parks, (64) Archie Stevens, (67) Ben Ronke
Match Review
Carlton falls in season opener
All the action and the highlights from Carlton's Round 1 VFL clash. - By Samantha Smith.The Carlton Reserves were left to rue a slow start in their season opener against Geelong, falling by 16 points at IKON Park on Friday night. After conceding the opening five goals of the game, the Blues responded in kind, but Luke Power’s side were unable to bridge the gap, despite drawing within nine points in the final quarter. Lachie Fogarty made a successful return from injury, collecting 17 disposals in limited game time, while Lachie Plowman (29 disposals) and Brodie Kemp (20 disposals) had strong moments down back in the Round 1 clash.
Quarter one
It was a rough start for the Carlton Reserves in the first half of the quarter. A few early attacking opportunities were missed, and Geelong made Carlton pay, kicking the first five goals to Carlton’s zero. Lachie Fogarty had an impressive start to his return: he was busy in the midfield, creating attack opportunities for the Blues. Paddy Dow also started to get going, but the ball spent a considerable amount of time in the Cats’ forward half. Ben Ronke scored the Blues’ first goal late in the quarter and Lachie Fogarty was busy between the arcs, assisting Ned Cahill who ran into an open goal to finish off the first term.
Quarter two
Both teams were struggling to take the control of the contest, with the respective defences showing authority. Tyreece Leiu applied the pressure in defensive 50, stopping Geelong’s chances at goal with a few intercept marks and a strong tackle. Heath Ramshaw kicked the first goal of the quarter in the 18th minute to break the goalless drought: however, the Cats picked up the pace and quickly returned the favour. A beautiful transition down the field saw Lachie Plowman booting a long-range kick, falling in the hands of Ben Crocker right in front of goal. The captain kicked truly just before the siren, which saw the Blues trail by 22 points at half time.
Quarter three
Geelong’s defence was locked in: with multiple intercepts, they were able to stop promising attacks from the Blues early in the third. Cahill battled manfully all quarter, showcasing his defensive impact, making smothers and tackles inside 50. Geelong grabbed the first goal for the term after a few narrow Carlton misses, but Josh Honey had a few key defensive highlights with his forward pressure, and skipper Crocker bounced the ball in for his second goal. Harry Lemmey opened his VFL account on debut with a beautiful long-range goal from the 50, and Josh Honey hit the board soon after.
Quarter four
The Blues came in hot, with Zavier Maher getting a much-needed goal three minutes into the final quarter. Rookie Hudson O'Keeffe created valuable ruck depth for the Blues, also kicking his first goal wearing the Navy Blue after a forward-50 tackle. Dom Akuei’s aerial ability was on display, battling for the contest and flying high for a remarkable intercept to keep the Cats away. A perfect transition down the field saw Ben Ronke convert his second goal, making it a nine-point game. The Blues were able to stop the momentum of Geelong most of the quarter, keeping them to just one goal. Carlton was on a steady comeback, but it was a case of too little too late in the game, producing a 16-point deficit to the Cats.
Smithy's VFL Round 1 Review
Geelong produced a blistering start and a gutsy finish to hand new coach Mark Corrigan a winning start with a 16-point defeat of Carlton in the Smithy’s VFL season opener at IKON Park on Friday night. The Cats kicked the first five goals and never relinquished the lead, coming up with a crucial goal every time the Blues looked like mounting a challenge. The only real nervous moment for Corrigan coming when Carlton kicked the first three goals of the last term to draw within eight points.Reigning Vic Fuller medallist Jye Chalcraft was best-on-ground for Geelong, racking up 30 disposals, seven marks, six clearances and a goal, while Brandan Parfitt (23, eight clearances) had a dominant first half in his first VFL game since 2017, Ben Lloyd had 20 disposals (all kicks) in defence, dual Geelong league best-and-fairest winner Harry Benson (19, six clearances) impressed on debut and Ollie Dempsey stepped up in all the big moments to kick three goals. Lachie Plowman was massive in the first half for Carlton, keeping his team in the game with 22 disposals in defence on his way to 29 for the game, with ball magnet Paddy Dow (30, six marks, 10 clearances), Jack Carroll (25, seven marks, nine inside-50s), Alex Cincotta (23) and rookies Jaxon Binns (21, seven marks, five entries) and Archie Stevens (22) also impressing.
VFLCA Votes
9 - Jonathon Ceglar (GC)9 - Jye Chalcraft (GC)
6 - Paddy Dow (Car)
2 - Shannon Neale (GC)
2 - Sam Simpson (GC)
1 - Lochie O'Brien (Car)
1 - Lachie Plowman (Car)
Video
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1290268/vfl-r1-all-carlton-highlights-v-geelong?videoId=1290268&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1679708396001
Round 2, 2023.
| CARLTON | 0.6.6 | 1.6.12 | 3.11.29 | 5.14 (44) |
| GWS GIANTS | 3.3.21 | 7.8.50 | 8.8.56 | 12.11 (83) |
| Venue: | Giants Stadium, Sydney NSW. | |||
| Date: | Saturday April 1st, 2023 (12.55 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 39 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Tyreece Leiu 1.1, Jack Carroll 1.1, Hudson O'Keeffe 1.0, Brodie Kemp 1.0, Mitch Moschetti 1.0, Ben Crocker 0.4, Archie Stevens 0.1, Ben Ronke 0.1, Paddy Dow 0.1, David Cuningham 0.1, Rushed 0.4. | |||
| Best: | Paddy Dow, Alex Cincotta, Jack Carroll, Brodie Kemp, Lachie Fogarty. | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: D. Akuei (41), L. McMahon (52), B. Kemp (17)HB: H. Ramshaw (51)*, L. Plowman (20), A. Cincotta (39)
C: J. Binns (32), L. Fogarty (8), L. O'Brien (4)
HF: J. Honey (36), H. Lemmey (31), B. Crocker (57)
F: H. O'Keeffe (35), T. Leiu (55), B. Ronke (67)
R: A. Mirkov (45), P. Dow (2), J. Carroll (16)
INT: D. Cuningham (28), P. Dozzi (53), N. Cahill (54), L. Parks (63), A. Stevens (64)
EMG: M. Lewis (58), A. Mills (66), M. Moschetti (68), J. Lefroy (79), L. Swaney (76)
IN: D. Cuningham, P. Dozzi
OUT: S. Durdin (hamstring), Z. Maher (knee)
Match Review
Carlton's Round 2 loss against GWS.
By Samantha Smith.The Carlton reserves struggled to find their feet, falling by 39 points to Greater Western Sydney at Giants Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The wet conditions at the ground caused some slippery football, with the Blues scoring five goals for the game. There was a lot of midfield dominance, but inaccuracy meant the Blues were unable to put scoreboard pressure on the Giants when they were on top. David Cuningham made a successful return after nearly two years off due to injuries, collecting nine disposals in limited game time. Under fire down back, Alex Cincotta (34 disposals) and Lachie Plowman (27 disposals) showcased their strong defensive presence.
Quarter one
The Giants came out hot, proceeding to kick the three goals of the match, also keeping Carlton to just six behinds in the first charge. Cuningham’s first disposal had great composure to hit up Paddy Dow for a scoring opportunity, but the kick went across the face. The Giants converted their second 10 minutes in, with the Blues struggling to convert despite some good moments in the contest. Captain Ben Crocker took some great marks in wet conditions, but was unable to nail his chances, with Lachie Plowman and Alex Cincotta working the ball nicely out of defence. The Blues had multiple attacking opportunities but were unable to convert much-needed goals, seeing the Giants take the lead by 16 points.
Quarter two
Jack Carroll kicked the first goal for Carlton six minutes into the second quarter, but Greater Western Sydney were right there to return the favour. Brodie Kemp had strong intercepts and David Cuningham with good pressure in attack, but the Giants continued to find their way to the scoreboard. Lachie Plowman and Alex Cincotta continued to impress down back, but little mistakes from the Blues cost them this quarter, as they continued to struggle producing scoring opportunities, collecting just one goal. The Giants maintained their authority - kicking their sixth goal – to lead 7.8 (50) to 1.6 (12) at the main break.
Quarter three
Unable to take its chances when going forward, Carlton conceded the first three goals, with the Giants kicking the first goal of the quarter 20 minutes in. The Giants had the advantage in the middle of the ground this term, but the Blues started to pick up the pace. A quick transition saw Lachie Fogarty (21 disposals for the game) find Crocker, leading to a terrific mark from Tyreece Leiu, scoring a much-needed goal for the Blues. A free kick to Carlton, found Hudson O’Keeffe kicking their third, leading them to trial by 23 points at three-quarter time.
Quarter four
A push in the back paid to Archie Stevens saw Ned Cahill line up for a set shot just outside the 50-metre mark in the opening minute of the term, but he was unable to convert. Cahill kept his composure minutes later, assisting Moschetti to kick the first goal of the quarter. Brodie Kemp added to a strong showing down back, pushing forward late to mark and secure another goal for Carlton right in front of the goal square. However, the Giants proved too strong for the Blues, sealing the win with a couple of goals late in the final charge, which saw the Carlton Reserves fall by 39 points.
Smithy's VFL Round 2 Review
Last-minute Supplementary Selection Period signing Alex Cincotta was the best in the Blues’ 39-point loss to Greater Western Sydney on Saturday, gathering 34 disposals. Out-of-favor defender Lachie Plowman did his best to get back into the AFL side, gathering 27 touches in a productive day. Brodie Kemp (24 disposals and a goal) and Paddy Dow (23 disposals) were also busy, while Lachie Fogarty had a game-high nine clearances among his 22 touches. No.32 selection in last year’s draft Jaxon Binns also impressed with 22 disposals and 10 marks. David Cuningham had a quiet nine-disposal outing in his first game for two years. Alex Mirkov dominated in the ruck (33 hitouts) but was quieter around the ground, Jack Carroll kicked a goal to go along with 19 disposals and rookie Dom Akuei got 13 touches. Harry Lemmey and Josh Honey were quiet with five touches apiece.
VFLCA Votes
10 - Joshua Fahey (GWS)7 - Max Gruzewski (GWS)
5 - Alex Cincotta (Car)
4 - Phil Davis (GWS)
2 - Paddy Dow (Car)
1 - Cameron Fleeton (GWS)
1 - Barry O'Connor (GWS)
Video
https://www.afl.com.au/video/894057/vfl-mini-match-r2-gws-v-carlton?videoId=894057&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1680337248001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5108%2CAFL_ROUND%3A805&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5108,AFL_ROUND:805
Round 3, 2023.
| CARLTON | 2.5.17 | 5.8.38 | 12.10.82 | 14.14 (98) |
| NORTH MELBOURNE | 2.2.14 | 2.6.18 | 3.9.27 | 6.10 (46) |
| Venue: | Arden Street, North Melbourne. | |||
| Date: | Friday April 7th, 2023 (12.30 pm). | |||
| Result: | Won by 52 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Ben Ronke 4.1, Harry Lemmey 2.2, Paddy Dow 2.2, Mitchell Moschetti 2.1, Jaxon Binns 2.0, Ned Cahill 1.1, Hudson O'Keeffe 1.0, Michael Lewis 0.1, Jack Lefroy 0.1, Patrick Dozzi 0.1, Ben Crocker 0.1, Rushed 0.3. | |||
| Best: | Paddy Dow, Brodie Kemp, Ben Ronke, Jaxon Binns, Lachie Fogarty, Heath Ramshaw. | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Luke Power's side headed to Arden Street seeking their first win of the VFL season with three players making their Carlton Reserves debuts. As is the nature of VFL team selection, the Blues have named five changes for today's clash with North Melbourne. Blake Kuipers, Jack Lefroy and Aidan Mills will all play their first game for the VFL Blues, joining VFL co-vice captain Lachie Swaney and defender Michael Lewis as the inclusions. They come into the team in place of Josh Honey (AFL selection), Jack Carroll and Alex Cincotta (AFL emergencies), David Cuningham and Tyreece Leiu (injured). Cuningham has been withdrawn from the VFL this week due to calf tightness, with the aim to be available next week.
Team
B: D. Akuei (41), L. Plowman (20), J. Lefroy (79)HB: H. Ramshaw (51), L. Parks (63), A. Cincotta (39)
C: J. Binns (25), N. Cahill (54), P. Dozzi (53)
HF: J. Carroll (16), H. Lemmey (33), B. Crocker (57)
F: A. Mills (59)*, B. Kemp (17), L. Fogarty (8)
R: A. Mirkov (45), P. Dow (2), B. Ronke (67)
INT: H. O'Keeffe (35), L. McMahon (52), T. Leiu (55), M. Lewis (58), M. Moschetti (68)
EMG: B. Kuipers (60), A. Stevens (64), J. Brereton (65), D. Porter (72), H. Sinnott (75), L. Swaney (76)
IN: J. Lefroy, M. Lewis, A. Mills
OUT: D. Cuningham, J. Honey (AFL), A. Stevens (omit)
NEW: Jack Lefroy, 22, Old Trinity; Aiden Mills, 20, Echuca
Match Review
Reserves record first 2023 win
It was an imposing performance from the VFL Blues on Good Friday. - By Samantha Smith.The Carlton Reserves secured their first win of the season in the Good Friday clash with North Melbourne at Arden Street. After a competitive first quarter and some slippery conditions, the Blues were able to take control. They pilled seven goals in the third quarter, helping them seal their 52-point victory. Paddy Dow (31 disposals) and Jaxon Binns (28 disposals) were again impressive in their midfield presence, kicking two goals each. Ben Ronke led the team with four goals, and Brodie Kemp (32 disposals, 13 marks) had a strong impact down back.
Quarter one
As the siren went to start the first quarter, the rain came bucketing down at Arden Street Oval. North Melbourne scored the first goal of the match three minutes in, but Brodie Kemp held up well down back, taking intercept marks to stop the Roos’ forward forays. Patrick Dozzi and Liam McMahon’s defensive abilities were on show, with a couple of hard tackles each, before Mitch Moschetti snagged Carlton’s first goal from 50 metres out. The Blues’ midfielders were getting on top, with Paddy Dow and Lachie Fogarty involved, but the slippery conditions made it tough for the Blues to convert. Ned Cahill gave some spark in the forward line, scoring the Blues’ second goal 21 minutes in, but North responded quickly, seeing the Blues lead by three points at the end of the final charge.
Quarter two
The rain finally started to quiet down, and Ben Ronke kicked the first of the term seven minutes in. Cahill and Brodie Kemp picked up where they left off, and Alex Mirkov starting to gain ascendancy in the ruck, creating opportunities for the midfield. Dom Akuei was aggressive in defence, while Jaxon Binns was busy between the arcs, converting his first goal of the match with a stunning snap before Ronke booted his second from a set shot shortly after. Dozzi’s speed was on display, weaving his way out of trouble, with Lachie Fogarty and Lachie Plowman continuing to work the ball nicely. Carlton’s defence was able to keep the Roos goalless in the second quarter, leading by 20 points at the main break.
Quarter three
Carlton came out firing, showing its authority with a seven-goal quarter. Moschetti collected his second, and Ronke created a carbon copy of his first goal from 50 metres out to get his third. Brodie Kemp and Lachie Plowman were combative in defence, continuing to be solid in the back line, while Luke Parks didn’t go unnoticed, taking some strong intercept marks. North Melbourne only converted one goal in the third quarter, with the Blues taking control of the contest. Paddy Dow, Harry Lemmey (two goals) and Hudson O'Keeffe all hit the scoreboard, and a 50-metre penalty late in the quarter had Jaxon Binns collect his second.
Quarter four
Ben Ronke opened the final charge kicking his fourth goal of the match. With the aid of the breeze, most of the quarter largely lived in North Melbourne’s forward half, kicking three goals. However, the damage had largely been done. Heath Ramshaw and Lachlan Swaney fought until the final siren, while Paddy Dow continued his strong showing in the midfield, scoring his second just before the siren.
Smithy's VFL Round 3 Review
Out of favour midfielder Paddy Dow was dominant as Carlton recorded a resounding 52-point win over North Melbourne on Friday. Dow, who has managed just four AFL games under Michael Voss' watch, collected 31 disposals, booted two goals and had a team-high five clearances in the victory. First-year player Jaxon Binns continues to push for a senior debut after another impressive outing. Taken with pick No.32 in last year's AFL Draft, Binns booted two goals and took nine marks from his 28 disposals. Young forward Harry Lemmey also kicked two goals and laid three tackles, while defender Lachie Plowman collected 23 disposals and took 10 marks. The Blues smashed the Kangaroos in the air, taking 121 marks to 45, with defender Brodie Kemp leading the way with 13 marks in his 24-disposal outing. Alex Mirkov was strong in the ruck with 28 hitouts, while rookie Dom Akuei and ruckman Hudson O'Keeffe were quiet with 11 and five touches, respectively.
VFLCA Votes
10 - Paddy Dow (Car)8 - Ben Ronke (Car)
5 - Jaxon Binns (Car)
4 - Brodie Kemp (Car)
2 - Mitch Moschetti (Car)
1 - Heath Ramshaw (Car)
Video
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1304190/vfl-r3-all-carlton-highlights-v-north-melbourne?videoId=1304190&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1681096811001
Round 4, 2023.
| CARLTON | 1.4.10 | 5.7.37 | 5.11.41 | 9.14 (68) |
| RICHMOND | 2.3.15 | 4.6.30 | 5.9.39 | 8.11 (59) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Friday April 14th, 2023 (7.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Won by 9 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Ben Ronke 2.4, Ned Cahill 2.0, Harry Lemmey 1.3, Ben Crocker 1.2, Lochie O'Brien 1.1, Paddy Dow 1.0, Lachie Fogarty 1.0, Lachlan Swaney 0.1, Heath Ramshaw 0.1, Rushed 0.2. | |||
| Best: | Sam Durdin, Brodie Kemp, Paddy Dow, Alex Cincotta, Lachie Fogarty, Alex Mirkov. | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: D. Akuei (41), S. Durdin (38), L. Plowman (20)HB: L. McMahon (52), B. Kemp (17), A. Cincotta (39)
C: J. Binns (25), L. Fogarty (8), L. O'Brien (4)
HF: J. Carroll (16), H. Lemmey (33), B. Crocker (57)
F: J. Honey (36), B. Kuipers (60), B. Ronke (67)
R: A. Mirkov (45), P. Dow (2), P. Dozzi (53)
INT: H. O'Keeffe (35), H. Ramshaw (51)*, N. Cahill (54), L. Parks (63), M. Moschetti (68)
EMG: A. Mills (59), A. Stevens (64), S. Grant (56), J. Lefroy (79), H. Sinnott (75), L. Swaney (76), T. Leiu (55), M. Lewis (58)
IN: J. Carroll, A. Cincotta, S. Durdin, J. Honey, L. O'Brien
OUT: J. Lefroy, M. Lewis, A. Mills, A. Stevens, L. Swaney
Match Review
Blues record second win on the trot
Sam Durdin and Brodie Kemp starred in the Carlton Reserves' second straight win. - By Samantha Smith.The Carlton Reserves were up for the fight against Richmond, leading to a nine-point victory at IKON Park on Friday night. The scores were close all game, with both teams battling hard for the contest. Leading by two points at the end of the third quarter, the Blues were able to take home the win after a four-goal final term. Sam Durdin had a successful return back after an injury sustained in Round 1, collecting 24 disposals and 14 marks in a best-on-ground performance. He was well supported by Brodie Kemp (29 disposals, 10 marks), who had another strong performance down back, while Ben Ronke scored two final-quarter goals.
Quarter one
The dewy conditions made for some double grabs and fumbles, but both teams came out with physical pressure. Paddy Dow registered the first major of the game from a clearance, before the Tigers followed with a goal soon after. Brodie Kemp was under fire down back, putting in the work to stop the Tigers’ attacking opportunities. Alex Cincotta had hot hands on the Sherrin, with Jaxon Binns and Lachie Fogarty also involved, working the ball nicely down the ground. A late Richmond goal saw the Blues trial by 5 points at the end of the first charge.
Quarter two
The speed of Paddy Dow and Lachie Fogarty was on display early in the second term, both creating opportunities for the Blues to score. After a long-range goal from Richmond to open proceedings, Carlton began to generate scoring opportunities, but struggled to convert in the first half of the quarter. Sam Durdin and Brodie Kemp took to the skies, both collecting crucial intercept marks to stop the Tigers from clawing their way to a greater lead on the scoreboard. Ned Cahill registered a goal following a nice assist from skipper Ben Crocker in what turned into a scrappy game, with both teams fighting for the contest. Carlton started to take control with back-to-back goals as Cahill converted his second and Lachie Fogarty followed suit with a beautiful snap inside the 50. Crocker responded quickly to a Richmond goal, giving the Blues a seven-point lead at half time.
Quarter three
Carlton had a slight lead, but Richmond made them earn every touch, applying physical pressure to stop the Blues’ attacks. Luke Parks and Lachie Fogarty brought the heat, and Jaxon Binns continued to be busy in between the arcs. Alex Mirkov was dominating the ruck (51 hit outs for the match), as the ball largely lived in Carlton’s forward half without scoreboard return. Inaccuracy from the Blues saw them only register four behinds, giving a chance to Richmond to shorten the lead – and that’s exactly what they did. The Tigers scored the first and only goal of the quarter 24 minutes in, cutting the Blues’ lead to two points at the final change.
Quarter four
Three minutes in, Ronke registered his first goal of the game, soccering the ball through for a much-needed goal for the Blues. Paddy Dow and Patrick Dozzi did well to get the ball out of the middle, but the Tigers were able to apply the pressure to thwart the Blues going forward. Brodie Kemp and Sam Durdin continued to be dominant down back and Dom Akuei took a terrific intercept mark to stop the Tigers in their tracks. Harry Lemmey converted his first goal of the quarter 16 minutes in, but the Tigers were quick to respond, booting a major to make it a nine-point game. Ronke secured his second goal at the 24 minute mark, and Lochie O'Brien followed with a snap directly after. However, as had been the case all night, the Tigers came again, booting two late majors in quick succession to cut the lead to just seven points. The Blues were able to steady, holding onto possession to register their second consecutive win come the final siren.
Match Details
Alex Cincotta continued to push for an AFL debut and Paddy Dow was good again in Carlton's nine-point win over Richmond on Friday night. Alex Cincotta, who joined the Blues via the pre-season supplemental selection period, had a game-high 34 disposals. Paddy Dow had an equal game-high nine clearances to go with his 27 disposals, five tackles and a goal. With the Blues coming off their first AFL loss of the season, there may be spots up for grabs and Brodie Kemp (29 disposals), Jaxon Binns (29) and Lochie O'Brien (26 and a goal) were also busy. Sam Durdin had 24 touches and Lachie Fogarty booted a goal to go with his 23, six tackles and six clearances. Alex Mirkov dominated in the ruck with 51 hitouts, Harry Lemmey kicked 1.3 and Jack Carroll had 21 disposals.
VFLCA Votes
7 - Mutaz El Nour (RIC)7 - Garrett McDonagh (RIC)
5 - Sam Durdin (CAR)
4 - Cam Olden (RIC)
3 - Paddy Dow (CAR)
2 - Alex Cincotta (CAR)
1 - Jacob Bauer (RIC)
1 - Alex Mirkov (CAR)
Video
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1309111/vfl-r4-all-carlton-highlights-v-richmond?videoId=1309111&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1681613161001
Round 5, 2023.
| CARLTON | 3.3.21 | 4.8.32 | 6.11.47 | 9.17 (71) |
| SANDRINGHAM | 4.1.25 | 6.2.38 | 8.7.55 | 10.8 (68) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Sunday April 23rd, 2023 (11.05 am). | |||
| Result: | Won by 3 points | |||
| Goalkickers: | Ned Cahill 4.2, Blake Kuipers 1.2, Ben Ronke 1.1, Lachie Plowman 1.0, Jaxon Binns 1.0, Jack Carroll 1.0, Ben Crocker 0.2, Archie Stevens 0.1, Tyreece Leiu 0.1, Lachie Fogarty 0.1, Paddy Dow 0.1, Rushed 0.6. | |||
| Best: | Ned Cahill, Paddy Dow, Lachie Fogarty, Jack Carroll, Jaxon Binns, Jordan Boyd. | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: (2) Paddy Dow, (20) Lachie Plowman, (8) Lachie FogartyHB: (16) Jack Carroll, (37) Jordan Boyd, (32) Jaxon Binns
C: (58) Michael Lewis, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (62) Hayden Gill
HF: (64) Archie Stevens, (41) Domanic Akuei, (72) Darcy Porter
F: (51) Heath Ramshaw, (52) Liam McMahon, (53) Patrick Dozzi
R: (54) Ned Cahill, (55) Tyreece Leiu, (57) Ben Crocker
I: (60) Blake Kuipers, (63) Luke Parks, (67) Ben Ronke, (76) Lachlan Swaney, (79) Jack Lefroy
Match Review
Three in a row for Carlton Reserves
A number of AFL-listed players produced big performances in a tight VFL win. by Samantha Smith.The Carlton Reserves were able to take home the win in Round 5, after a tight match against Sandringham at IKON Park on Sunday morning led to a three-point victory. There were multiple lead changes throughout the game, with the Zebras taking the lead by five points at the 22-minute mark in the last quarter. But an impressive three-goal last quarter - including a late match-winner - from Ned Cahill saw the Blues secure the win. Jordan Boyd had a successful return back from injury, collecting 21 disposals and having an impact in both areas of the field. Paddy Dow (40 disposals) once again was impressive in the midfield, and Ned Cahill converted four goals.
Quarter one
An injury in the warm-up saw Sam Durdin replaced by Hayden Gill for his debut. It was perfect conditions down at IKON Park, with Jack Carroll opened proceedings with the first major of the game. Sandringham was quick to respond, but Lachie Plowman and Domanic Akuei were strong in the backline as the opposition started to get into the contest. The play was mostly in the Blues’ forward half for the first half of the quarter, but struggled to convert, but back-to-back goals saw the Zebras make the most of their attacking opportunities. In his return, Jordan Boyd was heavily involved down back, as a late goal from Ned Cahill brought the Blues within four points at the first change.
Quarter two
Both teams came out playing physical football, creating attacking opportunities for their teams but struggling to convert. Paddy Dow had hot hands on the Sherrin early, having a strong presence in the midfield alongside Lachie Fogarty, whose pressure was setting the tone. Jaxon Binns showcased his speed and worked the ball nicely down the wing, while Luke Parks took a few intercept marks to stopping the Zebras’ momentum. It was scrappy football in the second term between the arcs, as Jaxon Binns kicked the first goal of the term at the 25-minute mark. However, indicative of the match, the Zebras soon followed suit after a 50-metre penalty, with another just before the siren given them a one-goal lead.
Quarter three
Two minutes in, Blake Kuipers was there to soccer the ball in for a quick goal after Paddy Dow’s good work out of the middle. Lachie Plowman pushed forward with a rare goal as he gave the Blues a slight lead from long range, but Sandringham was right there to return the favour. Scrappy football continued as the Zebras collected a goal eight minutes in, with the opposition’s ball use giving them an eight-point lead at the final change.
Quarter four
The sun came shining down for the last quarter, and the Blues came out firing with a beautiful transition down the field seeing Cahill convert his second goal. Akuei continued to contest well in the air, and Jaxon Binns carried on his fine form on the wing. Cahill was lively all quarter, taking a beautiful mark before kicking the goal from 30 metres out as the Blues snatched a five-point lead. Lachie Plowman and Tyreece Leiu applied the pressure down back, but a goal against the flow saw the Zebras draw within a point. Both teams’ defensive lines did well to quell opposition attacks, but a free kick to Sandringham saw them take the lead back. However, a late major from Cahill gave the Blues their third consecutive win come the final siren.
VFLCA Votes
7 - Jack Bytel (SAN)7 - Paddy Dow (CAR)
5 - Ned Cahill (CAR)
5 - Jack Carroll (CAR)
2 - Jack Billings (SAN)
2 - Jaxon Binns (CAR)
2 - Lachie Fogarty (CAR)
Video
https://www.afl.com.au/video/910648/vfl-mini-match-r5-carlton-v-sandringham?videoId=910648&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1682132700001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5138%2CAFL_ROUND%3A808&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5138,AFL_ROUND:808
Round 6, 2023.
| CARLTON | 2.3.15 | 4.5.29 | 5.8.38 | 9.10 (64) |
| FOOTSCRAY | 4.3.27 | 8.5.53 | 9.10.64 | 9.15 (69) |
| Venue: | ETU Stadium, Footscray. | |||
| Date: | Saturday April 29th, 2023 (11.05 am). | |||
| Result: | lost by 5 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Lochie O'Brien 2.0. Ned Cahill 1.2, Tom De Koning 1.1, Ben Crocker 1.1, Jaxon Binns 1.0, Michael Lewis 1.0, Ben Ronke 1.0, Matt Cottrell 1.0, Harry Lemmey 0.3, Lachlan Swaney 0.1, Jack Lefroy 0.1, Rushed 0.1. | |||
| Best: | Lochie O'Brien, Ned Cahill, Matt Cottrell, Paddy Dow, Jaxon Binns, Lachie Plowman. | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: (2) Paddy Dow, (4) Lochie O'Brien, (12) Tom De KoningHB: (20) Lachie Plowman, (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns
C: (37) Jordan Boyd, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (41) Domanic Akuei
HF: (45) Alex Mirkov, (46) Matthew Cottrell, (52) Liam McMahon
F: (53) Patrick Dozzi, (54) Ned Cahill, (55) Tyreece Leiu
R: (57) Ben Crocker, (58) Michael Lewis, (63) Luke Parks
I: (64) Archie Stevens, (67) Ben Ronke, (76) Lachlan Swaney, (00) Harley Reid, (79) Jack Lefroy
Spirited Blues just fall short
A last-quarter flurry just wasn't enough for the Carlton Reserves. - By Samantha Smith.The Carlton Reserves were left to rue a slow start against Footscray, falling by five points at North Port Oval on Saturday morning. The Bulldogs had a fair lead the entirety of the match, but the Blues were able to cut the lead with a resurgent final quarter. It was anyone’s game after Carlton’s four consecutive majors, but Footscray was able to hold onto its lead to cut the Carlton Reserves’ winning streak short. Matt Cottrell had a successful game back from injury collecting 17 disposals and a classy final-quarter goal, while Lochie O'Brien (19 disposals, two goals) had a strong impact in both ends of the field. Young gun Harley Reid put on the Navy Blue for an impressive game, and Jaxon Binns (26 disposals, one goal) was busy once again in the Round 6 clash.
Quarter one
It was perfect conditions for football as the sun was shining down in Port Melbourne, and Footscray was able to take control of the contest early with its backline applying the pressure. The home side proceeded to convert the first goal of the match, while the Blues struggled to hit the scoreboard after an early flurry. Paddy Dow and Ned Cahill had hot hands on the footy early and Harley Reid came out firing with a few hard tackles, starting at the first centre bounce. A 50-metre penalty saw the Dogs kick their second, before captain Ben Crocker got his team on the board. Footscray’s defence showed its authority in keeping Carlton from scoring, but a late major from Lochie O'Brien saw the Blues pluck one just before the siren.
Quarter two
Footscray was up by 12 points at the first change, but Carlton started to find its rhythm. Tom De Koning took a terrific mark and converted the set shot, but the Bulldogs were quick to respond with a goal of their own. Lochie O'Brien continued to move the ball nicely between the arcs, and Liam McMahon and Dom Akuei were busy down back. Jaxon Binns attacked the ball nicely, rewarding himself by booting a long range goal from the 50-metre line, but the Bulldogs were able to utilise the ball a bit better from here on in throughout a contested affair. A few late goals saw Footscray finish off the term the stronger of the two teams, taking a 24-point lead into the main break.
Quarter three
Lochie O'Brien continued his lively game and Lachie Plowman held up well down back, as the Bulldogs struggled to convert their forward entries into majors with the Blues stopping the hosts from hitting the scoreboard. Ned Cahill converted a nice snap in front of goal, while the returning Matt Cottrell had some key defensive highlights in his first game of the year. Jordan Boyd battled manfully as the Blues looked to get themselves back in the contest, but the Dogs’ first goal of the quarter - in the final moments before the siren - once again saw the Blues trail by 26 points at the final change.
Quarter four
The Blues needed a quick start to reduce the lead, and that’s exactly what they did. Carlton’s leading goalkicker this season, Ben Ronke kicked a much-needed major, while the Blues’ backline showed dominance to lock the ball in Carlton’s forward half. Lachie Plowman and Liam McMahon’s aerial ability kept the Dogs at bay, while Matt Cottrell and Lochie O'Brien kicked back-to-back goals after some hard running to cut the lead to just nine points. The Blues took control of the Sherrin as Paddy Dow and Jordan Boyd provided some run, and when Michael Lewis booted a major, things started to look good for the Blues as they drew within a kick. While Carlton fought hard in the final 10 minutes to wrestle the lead, it was a case of too little too late, with the Bulldogs able to hold onto their lead.
Match Review
A once-again wasteful Footscray kept itself in touch with the top 10 on Saturday, holding off Carlton by five points in a nail-biting finish despite trying to kick itself out of the game for a second-consecutive week at ETU Stadium. In a match the Bulldogs seemed to have control of for almost the entire day, their profligacy in kicking 1.10 in the second half went within one straight kick of burning them as the Blues also failed to take their opportunities. It was Carlton who was wayward early as it missed simple set shots while the Bulldogs booted four of the first five goals and another similar run in the second term gave them a 24-point lead at half-time. Both teams lost their radar in a physical third quarter, but Mitch Hannan’s trademark snap in the dying seconds gave Footscray a 26-point lead turning for home and apparent safety, but it could only manage five behinds in the last quarter kicking to the same Fred Cook end where it booted 0.8 to lose to Southport last week. Ironically it was a third missed set shot for the game from first-year tall Harry Lemmey, who showed outstanding hands but couldn’t finish, which allowed the Bulldogs to hang on.Footscray captain Lachie Sullivan was the clear best player on the ground, using toughness and slick hands to send his team forward regularly on his way to 39 disposals, 13 clearances and five inside-50s. Caleb Poulter was terrific on the grandstand wing with 26 touches, nine marks, seven entries and a goal, while defenders Ryan Gardner (18 disposals, 11 marks), Jed Busslinger (18 disposals, nine marks, six rebounds) Luke Cleary (24 disposals, six marks) and Cody Raak (21 disposals, nine marks) played huge roles in keeping the Blues to a losing score. First-year player Jaxon Binns was Carlton’s best as he pushes for an AFL debut, showing plenty of class to compile 28 touches, six marks, six rebounds and a goal. Fellow defenders Lachie Plowman (22 disposals, six marks) and Jordan Boyd (19 disposals, five rebounds) also impressed and Alex Mirkov (40 hitouts) controlled the ruck, giving plenty of chances to Lochie O'Brien (22 disposals, six marks, six entries, two goals) and Paddy Dow (25 disposals, nine clearances, five tackles). Predicted No.1 AFL Draft pick Harley Reid won 13 touches and had five inside-50s but showed composure and decision-making skills beyond his years, while Tom de Koning had only seven touches and a goal, suffering delayed concussion symptoms after a heavy fall in the ruck, and Matt Cottrell had a promising first game of the year after injury with 18 possessions, nine marks and a goal.
VFLCA Votes
10 - Lachlan Sullivan (FB)6 - Luke Cleary (FB)
4 - Paddy Dow (CAR)
4 - Caleb Poulter (FB)
3 - Joel Garner (FB)
2 - Lochie O'Brien (CAR)
1 - Ryan Gardner (FB)
Video
https://www.afl.com.au/video/914841/vfl-mini-match-r6-footscray-v-carlton?videoId=914841&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1682730300001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5145%2CAFL_ROUND%3A809&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5145,AFL_ROUND:809
Round 7, 2023.
| CARLTON | 1.1.7 | 3.6.24 | 5.10.40 | 8.11 (59) |
| BRISBANE | 2.4.16 | 3.5.23 | 6.8.44 | 8.15 (63) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Saturday May 6th, 2023 (11.05 am). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 4 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Matt Owies 3.4, Matt Cottrell 2.0, Liam McMahon 2.0, Ben Crocker 1.1, Ben Ronke 0.1, Harry Lemney 0.1, Paddy Dow 0.1, Rushed 0.3. | |||
| Best: | Matt Owies, Zac Fisher, Dom Akuei, Matt Cottrell, Harley Reid, Paddy Dow. | |||
| Reports: | ||||
| Injuries: | ||||
Team
B: (2) Paddy Dow, (8) Lachie Fogarty, (16) Jack CarrollHB: (20) Lachie Plowman, (25) Zac Fisher, (26) Lachlan Cowan
C: (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns, (37) Jordan Boyd
HF: (41) Domanic Akuei, (44) Matthew Owies, (45) Alex Mirkov
F: (46) Matthew Cottrell, (52) Liam McMahon, (54) Ned Cahill
R: (55) Tyreece Leiu, (57) Ben Crocker, (58) Michael Lewis
I: (63) Luke Parks, (64) Archie Stevens, (67) Ben Ronke, (00) Harley Reid, (79) Jack Lefroy
Blues fall by four
By Samantha Smith.Despite putting up a fight in torrential conditions, the Carlton Reserves fell by four points to the Brisbane Lions at IKON Park on Saturday morning. It was a tight match, with multiple lead changes as both teams fought hard for the contest. Scores were level late in the final term, but repeat entries to the Lions saw the visitors come out on top. Matt Owies made a successful return from injury, collecting 17 disposals and three goals. Zac Fisher (32 disposals) was impressive in the midfield, while youngster Harley Reid (21 disposals, eight marks) showcased his skill and physicality in the wet.
Quarter one
The weather caused some slippery football and fumbles but Brisbane was able to take control, registering the first goal of the match. Zac Fisher and Archie Stevens moved the ball well, creating scoring opportunities for the Blues, but they were unable to convert. Dom Akuei had some defensive highlights, as well as Lachie Plowman who was also aggressive in the backline. Matt Cottrell took a mark inside 50, converting the Blues’ first goal 14 minutes in. The Blues had a bit more of the ball in the second half of the quarter, but the Lions did well at stopping them from hitting the scoreboard. Brisbane kicked a late major, seeing the Blues trail by nine points at the end of the first charge.
Quarter two
The rain stopped and started early on in the game, but the heavens opened at the start of the second quarter. Alex Mirkov started to get on top in the ruck, and the wet conditions allowed the Blues to find their feet with their contested style of play. Paddy Dow and Jaxon Binns started to get busy in the midfield, while Reid threw his weight around with some hard tackles. Matt Cottrell secured his second goal of the match in driving rain, as slippery conditions made for some turnovers and fumbles. Liam McMahon converted a set shot, but the Lions quickly responded with a goal of their own which saw the Blues lead by one point at half time.
Quarter three
The rain finally settled down, and Brisbane came out hot, scoring a goal three minutes in to take back the lead. But as it was all game, the Blues responded, with a nice handball from Harry Lemmey to find Matt Owies to collect his first goal from close range. The Lions booted a major, but Carlton were right there to return the favour, with McMahon kicking his second. Jordan Boyd began to intercept behind the ball, but the Lions were able to soccer one through late in the quarter, taking back the lead by four points.
Quarter four
Brisbane brought back the same pressure as they had in the first quarter, and started to take control of the footy early in the final charge. They kicked the first two goals bringing their lead up to 16 points, but the Blues started to pick up the pace. A beautiful kick from Reid found Ben Crocker who hit the scoreboard, before Matt Owies snagged back-to-back goals to give the Blues the lead once again by a solitary point. Matt Cottrell was combative in transition while Paddy Dow battled hard around the ball, before the ball started to live in the Lions’ forward half. In the final 10 minutes, the Blues struggled to create scoring opportunities, as consecutive behinds to the Lions meant the Blues fell four points short for the second week in a row.
Match Review
Brisbane Lions broke through for their first VFL win at IKON Park and maintained their unbeaten record in 2023 with a desperate four-point win over Carlton on Saturday. Neither team was able to gain a significant break in the pouring rain, with the lead changing six times in the first three quarters, with the Lions taking a four-point advantage into the last. The visitors snatched a game-high 17-point lead on the back of Kai Lohmann and Jarryd Lyons goals early in the last term before the Blues hit back through two goals to the impressive Matt Owies, who had 17 disposals, seven marks, five tackles and booted 3.4 in his return from injury, taking the lead in the 15th minute.The Lions controlled the dying stages, missing several chances to put Carlton away as their last six attacking forays resulted in behinds, but it proved to be enough as the home team couldn’t find a winning goal. Lyons starred for the Lions with 32 touches, seven clearances, 10 inside-50s and a goal, while fellow AFL selection contenders Deven Robertson (31 disposals, eight clearances, six tackles), Rhys Mathieson (28 disposals, six marks, six clearances, one goal), Darcy Fort (21 disposals, five marks, 23 hitouts, 10 clearances) and Callum Ah Chee (20 disposals, seven marks, five rebounds) kept the pressure on the incumbents. Zac Fisher responded to his AFL omission in the best possible way with 32 possessions and six clearances for the Blues, Paddy Dow (26 disposals, five marks, five tackles) was again prolific, Jaxon Binns (24 disposals) continues to close in on an AFL debut and Archie Stevens (21 disposals, five marks, six tackles) and Jack Carroll (21 disposals, six marks) were also good. Possible No.1 AFL Draft pick Harley Reid didn’t take long to find his feet at the level, picking up 21 touches, eight marks, nine tackles and five inside-50s in a classy second game.
VFLCA Votes
8 - Jarryd Lyons (BL)7 - Matthew Owies (CAR)
5 - Darcy Fort (BL)
4 - Callum Ah Chee (BL)
2 - Kai Lohmann (BL)
2 - Deven Robertson (BL)
1 - Dom Akuei (CAR)
1 - Zac Fisher (CAR)
Video
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1325962/vfl-r7-all-carlton-highlights-v-brisbane?videoId=1325962&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1683502800001
Round 8, 2023.
BYE
Round 9, 2023.
| CARLTON | 3.6.24 | 4.7.31 | 7.11.53 | 8.12 (60) |
| WILLIAMSTOWN | 1.1.7 | 6.6.42 | 7.8.50 | 11.14 (80) |
| Venue: | DVS Stadium, Williamstown. | |||
| Date: | Sunday May 21st, 2023 (12.00 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 20 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Ben Ronke 2.1, Nate Caddy 2.1, Heath Ramshaw 1.0, Harry Lemmey 1.0, Lachlan Cowan 1.0, Ned Cahill 1.0, Brodie Kemp 0.1, Josh Honey 0.1, Lachie Fogarty 0.1, Zac Fisher 0.1, Paddy Dow 0.1, Ben Crocker 0.1, Rushed 0.4. | |||
| Best: | Paddy Dow, Tom De Koning, Jaxon Binns, Brodie Kemp, Lachie Fogarty, Luke Parks. | |||
| Reports: | ||||
| Injuries: | ||||
Team
B: (41) Domanic Akuei, (22) Caleb Marchbank, (20) Lachie PlowmanHB: (17) Brodie Kemp, (58) Michael Lewis, (26) Lachlan Cowan
C: (32) Jaxon Binns, (25) Zac Fisher, (63) Luke Parks
HF: (57) Ben Crocker, (8) Lachie Fogarty, (36) Josh Honey
F: (12) Tom De Koning, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (31) Harry Lemmey
R: (45) Alex Mirkov, (2) Paddy Dow, (74) Logan Prout
I: (54) Ned Cahill, (51) Heath Ramshaw, (68) Nate Caddy, (67) Ben Ronke, (76) Lachlan Swaney
AFL talent returns in defeat
By Samantha Smith.The Carlton Reserves battled hard in blustery conditions on Sunday afternoon, seeing but ultimately fell by 20 points to Williamstown at DSV Stadium. The Blues hit the ground running, kicking out to a 17-point lead at the end of the first quarter in a game dictated by the breeze. The last quarter saw a few lead changes and physical football, but the Seagulls were able to secure the win at home. Caleb Marchbank made an impact in his first game of the season, getting through unscathed and working his way back in nicely in limited game time. In his first game back after a concussion layoff, Tom De Koning collected 23 disposals and 34 hitouts, while Paddy Dow (41 disposals), Lachie Fogarty (29 disposals, seven tackles) and Jaxon Binns (30 disposals) were all busy.
Quarter one
The Blues came out firing with Ben Ronke opened proceedings kicking the first major of the match, kicking with the wind in the opening term. Paddy Dow had hot hands on the footy early, and Tom De Koning was dominant in the ruck. Brodie Kemp and Luke Parks were both combative in defence, but the Seagulls kicked their first goal of the quarter 15 minutes in against the breeze. From long range, Lachlan Cowan booted a major shortly after, who had displayed plenty of run off a half-back flank. The Seagulls started to apply the pressure, but Northern Knights product Nate Caddy kicked one just before the siren to see the Blues lead by 17 points at the end of the first change.
Quarter two
The home side took control in the second quarter, kicking three consecutive goals in the first 10 minutes seeing them take the lead by two points. The football was in the Seagulls’ forward half for most of the quarter, as Carlton struggled to generate any rebound given the conditions. Lachie Fogarty was putting some pressure on in the midfield with a few hard tackles while Alex Mirkov and Tom De Koning continued to dominate the hit-outs, but the Blues were unable to take full advantage, with Williamstown kick another goal late in the quarter. Jaxon Binns helped move the ball nicely and found Ronke who kicked his second goal, cutting the Seagulls lead to 11 points at the main break.
Quarter three
Some great ball movement from the Blues saw Heath Ramshaw convert a goal nine minutes in. Caleb Marchbank had a heavy presence in defence this quarter, applying the pressure and taking some intercept marks. Caddy took to the skies, taking a terrific mark before kicking his second of the match to give the Blues a one-point lead. It became a tight contest from there, with physical football from both teams. Lachie Fogarty had a strong second half, getting his hands on the Sherrin, while Paddy Dow picked up from where he left off in the first half. Ned Cahill kicked a smart goal 21 minutes in, but Williamstown was right on Carlton’s tail, with a 50-metre penalty saw them bring the margin back to under a kick. Brodie Kemp and Luke Parks carried on down back, taking a few intercept marks to preserve the Blues’ narrow lead.
Quarter four
Williamstown came out hot, kicking a goal two minutes in to take back the lead. Harry Lemmey took a terrific mark and rewarded himself with a goal, but as had been the case throughout the day, the team with the wind - this time, the Seagulls - heavily dominated the quarter. While the Blues fought hard to generate some offence, the Seagulls’ defence held firm. A long-range goal from Williamstown at the 24-minute mark sealed the result, with the Blues falling by 20 points come the final siren.
Match Review
Williamstown used one of the best home ground advantages in the VFL to the fullest as it outslugged Carlton by 20 points in a Hobsons Bay howler at DSV Stadium on Sunday. With the prevailing five to six-goal wind blowing straight down the ground to the Barracks End, it was always going to be who used it the best and the Seagulls are experts at doing just that. The Blues missed the first chance to build a big lead by kicking 3.6 to 1.1 in the first term and the Seagulls made them pay with 5.5 to 1.1 in the second – including one to Darby Henderson when Tom de Koning kicked 50m the wrong way from a boundary throw-in to the top of the goal square, handing up an 11-point lead into the main break. Carlton dominated the third quarter but again couldn’t put it on the board with 3.4, and Brodie Kemp undid all his team’s good work with a brain explosion shove giving Jack McHale a 50m penalty and Williamstown’s only goal of the term in the 28th minute. The three-point lead was never going to be enough and the home team added 4.6 to 1.1 to climb to 6-2 and fifth spot on the ladder, with the only downside being a luckless James Cousins reinjuring his hamstring for a third time this season in his first game back from the previous breakdown.Marty Hore (27 disposals, 15 marks, 15 rebounds) once again proved impassable in defence for Williamstown, with 10 of his grabs being intercepts as Carlton bombed the ball in repeatedly, with Oscar McDonald (16 disposals, seven marks, 12 rebounds) also doing as he pleased with young Blues Harry Lemmey and Hudson O’Keeffe unable to get into the game. Harry Jones (21 disposals, nine clearances), 298-gamer Ben Jolley (20 disposals, five marks) and Mitch Cox (19 disposals, six marks, six entries, one goal) did well in the middle and Joel Ottavi (eight marks, three goals) and Darby Henderson (18 disposals, six entries, two goals) were dangerous in attack. Carlton Ball magnet Paddy Dow can’t do any more week-in-week-out to get an AFL game, and he piled up 41 possessions, five marks, 11 clearances, and 11 inside-50s. Tom de Koning (24, eight marks, 34 hitouts, 10 clearances, nine inside-50s) had the better of star Seagull Tom Downie and Jaxon Binns (30 disposals, five tackles, five entries), Lachie Fogarty (29 disposals, seven clearances, seven tackles), Brodie Kemp (23 disposals, seven marks, six entries, six rebounds) and Lachie Plowman (23 disposals, five marks, nine rebounds) were also good.
VFLCA Votes
9 - Marty Hore (WIL)7 - Paddy Dow (CAR)
7 - Joel Ottavi (WIL)
5 - Tom De Koning (CAR)
1 - Mitch Cox (WIL)
1 - Harry Jones (WIL)
Video
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1337811/vfl-r9-all-carlton-highlights-v-williamstown?videoId=1337811&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1684726384001
Round 10, 2023.
| CARLTON | 2.2.14 | 7.4.46 | 13.6.84 | 17.8 (110) |
| SYDNEY SWANS | 2.4.16 | 5.7.37 | 7.8.50 | 8.10 (58) |
| Venue: | SCG, Sydney NSW. | |||
| Date: | Saturday May 26th, 2023 (4.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Won by 52 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Ned Cahill 3.2, Ben Ronke 2.0, Lochie O'Brien 2.0, Liam McMahon 2.0, Ben Crocker 2.0, Josh Honey 1.1, Hudson O'Keeffe 1.0, Harry Lemmey 1.0, Zac Fisher 1.0, Paddy Dow 1.0, Jaxon Binns 1.0, Archie Stevens 0.1, Jack Silvagni 0.1, Dom Akuei 0.1. | |||
| Best: | Z. Fisher, P. Dow, A. Stevens, J. Silvagni, N. Cahill, L. O’Brien. | |||
| Reports: | ||||
| Injuries: | ||||
Team
B: (1) Jack Silvagni, (2) Paddy Dow, (4) Lochie O'BrienHB: (20) Lachie Plowman, (22) Caleb Marchbank, (25) Zac Fisher
C: (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns, (33) Lewis Young
HF: (36) Josh Honey, (39) Alex Cincotta, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe
F: (41) Domanic Akuei, (45) Alex Mirkov, (51) Heath Ramshaw
R: (52) Liam McMahon, (54) Ned Cahill, (63) Luke Parks
I: (64) Archie Stevens, (66) Aiden Mills, (67) Ben Ronke, (74) Logan Prout, (57) Ben Crocker
Blues back on winners' list
The Carlton Reserves recorded a resounding win against Sydney's VFL side. - By Samantha Smith.The Carlton Reserves put on a show on Friday evening, recording a thumping 52-point win against Sydney at the SCG. After a competitive two quarters, the Blues started to take control with a strong second half, booting 10 goals to take home a much-needed win. The Blues shared the love as there were 11 different goalkickers for the match, with Ned Cahill leading the pack with three. Zac Fisher (40 disposals, one goal) and Paddy Dow (36 disposals, one goal) got the Blues going out of the midfield, while Alex Mirkov (37 hitouts) was again busy in the ruck.
Quarter one
Lochie O'Brien opened proceedings with the first major of the match two minutes in, while the Swans struggled to convert despite some early hands on the footy. Alex Mirkov did well early and Jack Silvagni made an impact in a new role, having a strong presence in the backline. Sydney kicked the next two goals, but some good work from Harry Lemmey ended in Josh Honey taking a strong mark and rewarding himself with a goal. Ben Ronke had some excellent defensive highlights against some familiar faces, as did Luke Parks, who was typically combative in defence. The Blues’ midfield did well at creating plays further afield, with Zac Fisher, Paddy Dow, Lochie O'Brien and Jaxon Binns all involved: however, the Swans were able to grab a two-point lead at the first change.
Quarter two
Both teams came out hard fighting for the contest, but Ronke would snap one in to strip the lead from the Swans: it was only up from here for the Blues. Jaxon Binns continued to work the ball nicely down the wing, while Zac Fisher continued to see plenty of the ball with 20 disposals to the main break. The Sherrin found skipper Ben Crocker, who in turn assisted Liam McMahon after a pack mark close to goal. Dom Akuei provided a defensive highlight with a brilliant one-handed intercept mark, before an answering goal from Sydney was immediately countered through Zac Fisher. ((Alex Mirkov’)'s ruck work saw the Blues start to dominate the midfield battle, while Harry Lemmey and Crocker - via a remarkable snap - extended their buffer. However, a burst of momentum from the Swans saw them record back-to-back goals late in the quarter, cutting the Blues’ lead to nine points at the end of the first half.
Quarter three
Two minutes into the third quarter, Cahill scores back-to-back goals to stretch the Blues’ lead. Jack Silvagni and Luke Parks continued their solid showings down back, as did Caleb Marchbank, who found more and more of the ball in his second game of the season. A long-range goal to the Swans was matched by Hudson O’Keeffe, before McMahon collected his second shortly after with some great ball movement from Zac Fisher. Archie Stevens continued to be busy in the midfield, and beautiful ball movement from the Blues ended in Cahill’s third of the quarter. Paddy Dow polished the third term off with a goal moments before the siren, given the Blues a 34-point lead heading into the final term.
Quarter four
A perfect transition down the line ended in Lochie O'Brien who ran into an open goal converting his second of the match 3 minutes into the quarter. The Blues were dominant in the first half of the final term, as the ball lived mostly in their forward half. Ronke collected his second from a set shot, with the Blues’ on-ball brigade given them the upper hand. There was no slowing down for Carlton, with a running goal from Jaxon Binns followed by Crocker’s second. The Swans kicked their first goal of the quarter 23 minutes in, but the damage was done for the Blues, with a massive second half securing their fate in a 52-point win.
Match Review
Carlton powered to a 52-point win over Sydney Swans at the SCG to keep itself in touch with the top 10 and hand the Swans a 10th consecutive defeat on Friday. The Swans led at quarter-time but the Blues gained control early in the second term, getting out by 22 points before two late goals got the home team back within nine at the main break. But that was where the resistance ended, with Ned Cahill goaling in the opening minute of the third term and Carlton booting 10 goals to three for a percentage-boosting win that means the VFL has two winless teams after 10 rounds for the first time since Frankston and Bendigo suffered the same malaise in 2009. The Blues won every stat category comfortably, including tackles 54-38, as their midfield simply did as they pleased, led by Paddy Dow, who surely must get his next AFL opportunity after piling up 36 disposals, five marks, 13 clearances, six tackles, 11 inside-50s and a goal, with Zac Fisher also hard to ignore after his 40 disposals, eight marks and a goal.Archie Stevens (35 disposals, six marks, eight clearances, six inside-50s), Jaxon Binns (31 disposals, five entries, five rebounds, one goal), Alex Cincotta (31 disposals, eight marks, five rebounds), Lochie O'Brien (28 disposals, eight marks, seven entries, two goals), Jack Silvagni (26 disposals, 10 marks, five entries, five rebounds), Cahill (21 disposals, eight marks, three goals) and Lachie Plowman (24 disposals, five marks) also stuffed the stats sheet and Luke Parks took 10 marks and had five rebounds down back. Angus Sheldrick (36 disposals, nine clearances, six entries) and Dylan Stephens (35 disposals, five clearances, 12 entries, five rebounds, one goal) were everywhere for Sydney and Lachie Rankin (23 disposals, seven marks, seven rebounds), Caleb Mitchell (21 disposals, six marks, one goal), Will Gould (21 disposals, five marks, six rebounds), Hamish Morrison (22 disposals, seven marks) also tried hard.
VFLCA Votes
10 - Zac Fisher (CAR)7 - Alex Cincotta (CAR)
7 - Paddy Dow (CAR)
2 - Archie Stevens (CAR)
2 - Dylan Stephens (SS)
1 - Ned Cahill (CAR)
1 - Lochie O'Brien (CAR)
Video
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1346249/vfl-r10-all-carlton-highlights-v-sydney?videoId=1346249&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1685327505001
Round 11, 2023.
| CARLTON | 2.4.16 | 6.8.44 | 7.10.52 | 10.16 (76) |
| FRANKSTON | 6.3.39 | 6.9.45 | 9.10.64 | 10.13 (73) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Saturday June 3rd, 2023 (2.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Won by 3 points | |||
| Goalkickers: | Ben Ronke 2.1, Aiden Mills 2.0, Ben Crocker 1.3, Josh Honey 1.3, Hayden Gill 1.1, Lachie Plowman 1.0, Michael Lewis 1.0, Harry Lemmey 1.0, Liam McMahon 0.4, Ed Curnow 0.1, David Cuningham 0.1, Rushed 0.2. | |||
| Best: | J. Binns, B. Crocker, L. Fogarty, L. Plowman, J. Honey, H. O’Keeffe. | |||
| Reports: | ||||
| Injuries: | ||||
Team
B: (8) Lachie Fogarty, (20) Lachie Plowman, (21) Jack MartinHB: (22) Caleb Marchbank, (26) Lachlan Cowan, (28) David Cuningham
C: (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns, (35) Ed Curnow
HF: (36) Josh Honey, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (41) Domanic Akuei
F: (51) Heath Ramshaw, (52) Liam McMahon, (55) Tyreece Leiu
R: (57) Ben Crocker, (58) Michael Lewis, (62) Hayden Gill
I: (63) Luke Parks, (64) Archie Stevens, (66) Aiden Mills, (67) Ben Ronke, (74) Logan Prout
Returnees impress in last-gasp win
The Carlton Reserves prevailed by three points in Round 11 VFL action. - By Samantha SmithThe Carlton Reserves came out on top against Frankston on Saturday afternoon at IKON Park after a nailbiter fourth quarter saw the Blues win by three points. A rare sight late in the fourth quarter saw Lachie Plowman kick a huge goal to secure the win for the Blues. While the Dolphins pushed hard to take back the lead, some great defence from Lachlan Cowan stopped them in their tracks. David Cuningham (21 disposals) and Jack Martin (18 disposals) both had successful returns, while Jaxon Binns was best afield with a match-leading 34 disposals. VFL-listed Blues Ben Ronke and Aiden Mills kicked two goals each.
Quarter one
While there were some wet conditions around, IKON Park was lucky enough to see no rain. Frankston came out hot in the contest, opening proceedings by booting the first two goals the game. The Dolphins applied the pressure this quarter and saw a lot more of the ball, and while there were a few scoring opportunities for the Blues, they were unable to convert. Binns had hot hands on the Sherrin early, and Mills kicked the Blues’ first goal - and his first VFL career goal - 15 minutes in. After a slow start, Carlton picked up the pace as Michael Lewis snapped one in from just inside the 50-metre line to give Carlton the lead by one point. The Blues struggled to win clearances from the centre, as the Dolphins took control from here on in, kicking the next four goals of the quarter to see the Blues trail by 23 points at the first change.
Quarter two
Cowan began to get busy down back, while Caleb Marchbank took some strong intercept marks as Carlton’s defensive system held firm. Both teams struggled to hit the scoreboard in the early going, but some physical football saw both teams fight hard for the contest. The Dolphins’ inaccuracy in the early portion of the quarter gave the Blues a chance to capitalise, and that’s exactly what they did. Mills converted his second goal from a downfield free kick, and soon after, the ball found Hayden Gill who took a terrific mark just outside the goal square rewarding himself with a goal. Josh Honey’s hunt for the footy was rewarded with a major, while Domanic Akuei and Jack Martin made some hard tackles each and Binns continued to be busy between the arcs. Harry Lemmey kicked a much-needed goal for the Blues 27 minutes in, cutting the margin to only one point at the main break.
Quarter three
The Dolphins came out with some authority, scoring a goal to start the second half and extend their lead to seven points. David Cuningham, who worked his way into the game in the second term, moved the ball nicely, ending in a scrap in the goal square which saw Ronke gather, snap truly and level the scores. However, the Dolphins were right on the Blues’ tail, answering with a goal of their own once again. Fogarty saw a lot more of the ball, with his clean hands a feature, with Archie Stevens also getting involved and Hudson O’Keeffe taking control in the ruck. After the Dolphins did well at stopping the Blues creating attacking opportunities, a late soccer at the 27-minute mark stretched their lead to 12 points.
Quarter four
Carlton’s intentions were known early, as from the middle, Binns found Ben Crocker, with the captain kicking the opening goal of the term in the first minute. Frankston responded with a goal shortly after as both teams continued to fight for the contest, but conversion in front of goal remained an issue for either side. Fogarty’s pressure at the contest stood out while Luke Parks intercepted well down back. A burst of momentum for the Blues saw Ronke collect his second to cut the lead to just six points, before a number of other attacking opportunities were unable to hit the mark. It was left to the unlikeliest source to give the Blues the lead, with a huge kick from Plowman - tight on the boundary 50 metres from goal - nudging the Blues ahead at the 24-minute mark. The Dolphins started to push, but a great defensive highlight from Cowan saw the Blues hold onto their lead come the final siren.
Match Review
If you were a Carlton supporter looking for a hero to kick a potentially season-saving goal, you’d go through quite a few players before you settled on Lachie Plowman. But it was the Blues’ full-back who covered himself in glory with a terrific strike from 50m out on the boundary to break Frankston’s hearts in a pulsating three-point result after the Dolphins had led for all but the opening two minutes. The visitors had seized control with four goals in time-on of the opening quarter, getting out by as much as 26 points at the 10-minute mark of the second term before the Blues hit back to get within a point at half-time. The game swung back and forth throughout the second half, all the while with Frankston in the ascendancy but the Blues had the last eight scores of the game with Plowman’s long bomb grabbing the lead in the 23rd minute. Jaxon Binns is surely closing in on an AFL debut for Carlton after another brilliant display all over the ground, with the No. 32 draft pick having 35 disposals, nine marks, nine inside-50s and seven rebounds, with VFL-listed Archie Stevens continuing his strong touch with 28 touches. Lachie Fogarty (22 disposals, five marks, eight tackles, five entries) and the luckless David Cuningham (21 disposals, seven clearances) also played well in the absence of Paddy Dow, while Lachlan Cowan (21 disposals, eight rebounds) impressed and took a crucial contested mark late to see off a Dolphin challenge and captain Ben Crocker had 20 touches and 14 marks but kicked 1.3. Kai Owens’ breakout season continued with another 27 touches, eight clearances, five inside-50s and even eight hitouts for Frankston, with Mitch Szybowski (25 disposals, five marks) having his best game at VFL level. Ryley Stoddart (24 disposals, seven marks, five rebounds), Colby Nayna (23 disposals, eight marks, five tackles, five rebounds), Will Fordham (25 disposals, six marks), Taine Barlow (20 disposals, eight rebounds) and Connor Riley (20 disposals, one goal) were also good.VFLCA Votes
8 - Jaxon Binns (CAR)6 - Kai Owens (FRA)
5 - Archie Stevens (CAR)
4 - Matt Johnson (FRA)
3 - Ben Crocker (CAR)
2 - Ryley Stoddart (FRA)
1 - Bailey Lambert (FRA)
1 - Lachie Plowman (CAR)
Video
https://www.afl.com.au/video/941902/vfl-mini-match-r11-carlton-v-frankston?videoId=941902&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1685765100001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5190%2CAFL_ROUND%3A814&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5190,AFL_ROUND:814
Round 12, 2023.
| CARLTON | 3.4.22 | 6.6.42 | 10.10.70 | 14.15 (99) |
| ESSENDON | 2.2.14 | 6.4.40 | 8.6.54 | 10.8 (68) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Sunday June 11th, 2023 (2.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Won by 31 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Liam McMahon 4.1, David Cuningham 2.1, Hayden Gill 2.0, Ben Crocker 2.0, Josh Honey 1.3, Ben Ronke 1.0, Heath Ramshaw 1.0, Harry Lemmey 1.0, Lachie Fogarty 0.2, Ned Cahill 0.2, Zac Fisher 0.1, Patrick Dozzi 0.1, Rushed 0.4. | |||
| Best: | H. Ramshaw, L. Fogarty, D. Cuningham, Z. Fisher, L. McMahon, L. Cowan. | |||
| Reports: | ||||
| Injuries: | ||||
Team
B: (41) Domanic Akuei, (53) Patrick Dozzi, (74) Logan ProutHB: (26) Lachlan Cowan, (25) Zac Fisher, (20) Lachie Plowman
C: (58) Michael Lewis, (28) David Cuningham, (4) Lochie O'Brien
HF: (36) Josh Honey, (8) Lachie Fogarty, (62) Hayden Gill
F: (52) Liam McMahon, (57) Ben Crocker, (31) Harry Lemmey
R: (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (64) Archie Stevens, (66) Aiden Mills
I: (75) Hamish Sinnott, (51) Heath Ramshaw, (67) Ben Ronke, (63) Luke Parks, (54) Ned Cahill
Blues shine in promising win
Both AFL and VFL-listed Blues had big performances in their win over Essendon. - By Samantha Smith.The Carlton reserves prevailed in an exciting match against Essendon on Sunday afternoon at IKON Park, winning by 31 points. After scores were tied during the third quarter, the Blues ended up taking control of the contest. A strong second half from Carlton, with Liam McMahon kicking three goals in the third term, saw the Blues prevail by five goals and secure their second consecutive win. David Cuningham (27 disposals, two goals) and Lachie Fogarty (27 disposals, nine score involvements) had a big impact in the Blues’ win, while VFL-listed Heath Ramshaw was best afield with 31 disposals and a goal.
Quarter one
It was a slow start for both teams as they struggled to hit the scoreboard, with Ben Ronke kicking the first major 15 minutes into the quarter. The Bombers kicked one shortly after, with high-pressure, scrappy football ensuing. Zac Fisher - who featured in a new role across half-back - and youngster Patrick Dozzi had hot hands on the footy early, while Ramshaw was busy in the middle. McMahon kicked his first of the match, while Cuningham converted a long-range goal shortly after following some strong forward pressure. Carlton took control in the second half of the quarter but the Bombers weren’t giving up easy, kicking a goal just before the end of the first term.
Quarter two
The Blues were left to play the remainder of the game without leading goalkicker Ronke, who was sidelined with a hand injury. The Bombers came out quick in the second term, kicking a goal early on, but some terrific ball movement from the Blues found Ramshaw who converted truly. After an assist from Fisher, Harry Lemmey backed it up in front of goal shortly after, as Lachie Cowan set up strongly behind the ball with a number of intercept marks. Cuningham’s pressure continued around the ball, but as Essendon responded, captain Ben Crocker converted a nice goal from near the boundary line to give the Blues a two-point lead heading into the main break.
Quarter three
It didn’t take long for the Blues to make their intentions known: Ramshaw got the ball from the middle, and again with quick ball movement, Lachie Fogarty found McMahon who collected his second goal. Fogarty lifted in the second half, as he and Lochie O’Brien provided some great forward deliveries for the Blues. Lachie Plowman was physical in the backline, providing some key defensive highlights, as McMahon converted number three at the other end. Back-to-back Essendon goals midway through the quarter levelled the scores, but Carlton’s pressure lifted from there, with Archie Stevens getting plenty of the Sherrin and youngster Hayden Gill making a statement with a strong mark and goal. Ramshaw showed great composure to find McMahon for his fourth, giving the Blues a 16-point lead heading into the final term.
Quarter four
There were a couple of scoring opportunities for the Blues to stretch their lead in the opening minutes, but they struggled to convert. The Bombers were pressing to cut the margin, scoring a goal five minutes into the quarter, but the Blues held firm early and then took control of the contest. Crocker, Gill and then Cuningham all converted their second majors, with the latter’s classy goal shutting the door on the Bombers. Josh Honey popped one in just before the final siren as the Blues took away the win.
Match Review
Carlton moved back ahead of the ledger and climbed to eighth spot after running away from Essendon in the second half to win by 31 points at IKON Park. While the Blues held sway on the scoreboard all day, it wasn’t until they landed back-to-back blows through Hayden Gill and four-goal hero Liam McMahon in time-on of the third term that they managed to break the Bombers’ resolve. Heath Ramshaw (33 disposals, eight marks, seven entries, one goal) was best-on-ground with a wonderful breakout display, while fellow VFL-listed youngsters Archie Stevens (31 disposals, five tackles, five entries) and Patrick Dozzi (28 disposals, five marks, six entries) also starred. Of the AFL-listed Blues to stake a claim, Lachie Fogarty (29 disposals, eight marks, five clearances, six entries) and David Cuningham (26 disposals, seven tackles, seven entries, two goals) got up the ground, Zac Fisher (29 disposals, five rebounds) mopped up down back and Lachie Cowan (25 disposals, eight marks) also impressed. Essendon ruckman Nick Bryan dominated young Blues pair Hudson O’Keeffe and Harry Lemmey with 25 possessions, nine marks, 31 hitouts, five clearances, five inside-50s and a goal. No.6 pick Elijah Tsatas had a strong second game with 25 disposals and seven clearances, mid-season draftee Jaiden Hunter took nine marks and booted four goals, Kaine Baldwin had 20 disposals, six marks and 10 rebounds and Brad Bernacki ground out 24 disposals.VFLCA Votes
10 - Heath Ramshaw (CAR)5 - Liam McMahon (CAR)
4 - David Cuningham (CAR)
3 - Nick Bryan (ESS)
3 - Zac Fisher (CAR)
3 - Lachie Fogarty (CAR)
2 - Lachie Plowman (CAR)
Video
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1356945/vfl-r12-all-carlton-highlights-v-essendon?videoId=1356945&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1686550677001
Round 13, 2023.
| CARLTON | 3.4.22 | 5.7.37 | 10.8.68 | 10.10 (70) |
| WERRIBEE | 3.3.21 | 6.6.42 | 7.9.51 | 11.10 (76) |
| Venue: | Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee. | |||
| Date: | Saturday June 17th, 2023 (2.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 6 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Ned Cahill 2.1, Liam McMahon 1.2, Heath Ramshaw 1.1, Hudson O'Keeffe 1.0, Jesse Motlop 1.0, Harry Lemmey 1.0, Blake Kuipers 1.0, Zac Fisher 1.0, Ben Crocker 1.0, Hayden Gill 0.2, Josh Honey 0.1, Rushed 0.3. | |||
| Best: | J. Binns, G. Hewett, Z. Fisher, L. Young, J. Silvagni, H. Ramshaw. | |||
| Reports: | ||||
| Injuries: | ||||
Team
B: (1) Jack Silvagni, (3) Jesse Motlop, (4) Lochie O'BrienHB: (16) Jack Carroll, (25) Zac Fisher, (26) Lachlan Cowan
C: (29) George Hewett, (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns
HF: (33) Lewis Young, (36) Josh Honey, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe
F: (41) Domanic Akuei, (51) Heath Ramshaw, (52) Liam McMahon
R: (53) Patrick Dozzi, (54) Ned Cahill, (57) Ben Crocker
I: 62) Hayden Gill, (63) Luke Parks, (74) Logan Prout, (75) Hamish Sinnott, (60) Blake Kuipers
Hewett, Carroll return in narrow defeat
The Carlton Reserves fell just short of ending Werribee's win streak. - By Samantha Smith.THE Carlton reserves fell short by six points in a tight match against Werribee on Saturday afternoon at Avalon Airport Oval. The scores were level late in the final term with both teams battling it out in a physical affair, but it was Werribee who converted towards the end of the last quarter at its home ground. AFL-listed players George Hewett (24 disposals, nine tackles) and Jack Carroll (23 disposals) had successful returns, having a big impact in their respective positions. Jaxon Binns was busy once again with 32 disposals, while Ned Cahill led the pack with two goals.
Quarter one
The afternoon brought some windy conditions, as the Sherrin couldn’t find its way in the goals. Werribee’s defence put the pressure on the Blues early, stopping their attacking opportunities. They had the speed and momentum on the counter attack, seeing the hosts boot the first major nine minutes in. Jaxon Binns and Jesse Motlop were busy early, with a scuffle in the Blues’ attacking goal square ending in Motlop soccering one through. Both teams traded goals, as George Hewett took to his return with some physicality around the contest and Ned Cahill kicking his first goal of the match in the midst of chaos. The Blues started to find their rhythm in the second half of the quarter, as Ben Crocker found Zac Fisher who converted from just inside 50 after pushing forward from half-back. Werribee was able to kick one just before the siren, seeing the Blues lead by one point at the end of the first term.
Quarter two
There was some scrappy football in Werribee’s forward half, but the hosts were able to kick a goal early on to take back the lead. The Blues had some attacking opportunities, but Werribee applied the pressure to thwart the team’s attempts into the breeze. AFL-listed Jack Silvagni showcased his defensive skills with some strong tackles and smothers on the ball, demonstrating the will and appetite for the contest from both teams. Werribee eventually hit the scoreboard from a set shot, despite the best attempts from Fisher and Lachie Cowan, who were solid in the backline. Youngster Blake Kuipers took a strong mark and rewarded himself with a goal, before skipper Ben Crocker followed suit directly after. A 50-metre penalty saw Werribee score from directly in front just before the siren, seeing the Blues trail by five points heading into the main break.
Quarter three
The Blues made the most of the breeze in the third term, as Harry Lemmey booted a long-range goal from the boundary line to start off the second half. Hudson O’Keeffe started to control the ruck, leading the hitouts with 25 for the match to continue his impressive recent form as solo ruck. Luke Parks and Lewis Young were combative down back, stopping Werribee’s attacking opportunities with a few intercept marks each. Binns continued to be dynamic in the midfield, alongside Cowan weaving his way out of trouble. Liam McMahon hitting the scoreboard was meant with an instant reply, before a late flurry from the Blues in the shadows of three-quarter time: O’Keeffe, Heath Ramshaw and Cahill would kick the next three goals, giving the Blues a 17-point leading into the final term.
Quarter four
Werribee came out with a burst of momentum, converting three minutes in. Their backline continued to apply the pressure, as they kept the Blues goalless for the quarter as the play lived in their forward half. Fisher and Binns kept busy, but quick back-to-back goals saw Werribee level the scores. Domanic Akuei took a huge intercept mark to stop Werribee’s chance at goal, not returning for the rest of the game but demonstrating Carlton’s willingness to fight for its third consecutive win. The last few minutes caused for some high-pressure football, as both teams fought hard to snatch the lead. But it was Werribee who were able to get one in just before the siren on the way to its ninth consecutive win.
Match Review
Shaun “The Mummy” Mannagh was the hero as Werribee came from 17 points down at three quarter-time to edge out Carlton by six points for its eighth-consecutive win and third spot on the ladder. With his nose swathed in bandages and No. 56 on his back after an earlier knock, Mannagh snapped a brilliant goal from 30m on his left boot to tie the scores entering time-on and repeated the dose with the outside of his right five minutes later to give his team the lead for the first time since half-time as the Tigers booted 4.1 to 0.2 in the last quarter. Mannagh finished with 28 disposals, five clearances, nine tackles, eight inside-50s and kicked 3.3 in a performance that will be hard to top for three Liston Medal votes, although dual winner Tom Gribble (35 disposals, five marks, six clearances, five tackles, five entries, one goal) may have something to say about that. Werribee captain Nick Coughlan was huge in defence with 18 touches and 10 rebounds to keep the Blues contained, while Kye Declase (26 disposals, six marks, one goal) and Dom Brew (21 disposals, six clearances, 10 tackles) also continued their fine seasons at Avalon Airport Oval. Jaxon Binns is making it increasingly hard to deny him an AFL debut after almost lifting the Blues to victory with 32 disposals, seven marks, seven entries and six rebounds, while George Hewett (24 disposals, five marks, nine tackles), Zac Fisher (24 disposals, one goal) and Lewis Young (17 disposals, 11 marks, seven rebounds) also put their hands up. Jack Carroll (23 disposals, five marks) and Heath Ramshaw (21 disposals, six clearances, one goal) were similarly good, but their side missed a chance to open a gap between themselves and the chasing pack.VFLCA Votes
8 - Thomas Gribble (WER)8 - Shaun Mannagh (WER)
6 - Jaxon Binns (CAR)
4 - Zac Fisher (CAR)
2 - George Hewett (CAR)
1 - Jack Boyd (WER)
1 - Kye Declase (WER)
Video
https://www.afl.com.au/video/951761/vfl-mini-match-r13-werribee-v-carlton?videoId=951761&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1686974700001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5208%2CAFL_ROUND%3A816&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5208,AFL_ROUND:816
Round 14, 2023.
BYE
Round 15, 2023.
| CARLTON | 5.2.32 | 9.7.61 | 15.13.103 | 18.17 (125) |
| NORTHERN BULLANTS | 2.1.13 | 2.2.14 | 5.2.32 | 6.4.40 |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Saturday 1st July 2023 (2.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Won by 85 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Jesse Motlop 4.2, Paddy Dow 3.0, Blake Kuipers 2.2, Ben Ronke 2.1, Hayden Gill 2.0, Liam McMahon 1.2, Ned Cahill 1.2, Ben Crocker 1.1, Jaxon Binns 1.1, Tyreece Lieu 1.0, Darcy Porter 0.2, Rushed 0.4. | |||
| Best: | C. Marchbank, J. Carroll, J. Honey, B. Ronke, C. Durdin, L. O’Brien. | |||
| Reports: | ||||
| Injuries: | ||||
Team
B: (2) Paddy Dow, (3) Jesse Motlop, (4) Lochie O'BrienHB: (16) Jack Carroll, (20) Lachie Plowman, (22) Caleb Marchbank
C: (26) Lachlan Cowan, (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns
HF: (38) Sam Durdin, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (51) Heath Ramshaw
F: (52) Liam McMahon, (53) Patrick Dozzi, (54) Ned Cahill
R: (55) Tyreece Leiu, (57) Ben Crocker, (60) Blake Kuipers
I: (62) Hayden Gill, (63) Luke Parks, (67) Ben Ronke, (72) Darcy Porter, (74) Logan Prout
Match Review
Young Blues star in comprehensive win
The Carlton Reserves made it five wins from their last six games. - By Samantha SmithThe Carlton Reserves had another impressive win this week against Coburg Lions on Saturday afternoon at Piranha Park, winning by 52 points. Despite the windy conditions, the Blues got off to a good start to secure a strong lead at half time. While the final term saw the Lions pile on seven consecutive goals to cut into Carlton’s massive lead, the Blues had already secured their fate to take away another big win. Ollie Hollands (24 disposals) had a successful return after sustaining a collarbone injury in May, while Caleb Marchbank (22 disposals) was energetic down back. Jack Carroll and Jaxon Binns (one goal) were the most prolific with 32 disposals each, and Liam McMahon led the team with four goals.
Quarter one
The Blues opened up proceedings quickly as Ned Cahill found Ben Crocker who snapped truly. Hudson O’Keefe and Lochie O’Brien were dynamic in the midfield, and Sam Durdin’s presence down back was known early. Ben Ronke would collect his first of the match 14 minutes in, as the Blues defence held strong with Luke Parks, Lachie Plowman and Marchbank all involved. Coburg scored their first goal late in the quarter, and although Carlton had scoring opportunities to stretch their lead, the breeze made for a tricky assignment. It was in the last few minutes of the quarter where the Blues found some momentum, when a great transition through the corridor from the Blues saw the Sherrin land into the hands of Josh Honey, who converted his first. Ned Cahill followed suit with a clean goal shortly after, seeing the Blues lead by 23 points at the end of the first term.
Quarter two
The Blues started to take control towards the end of the first quarter, and continued to show authority in the second. Carlton was able to keep the Lions scoreless this quarter, as they pressed to stretch their lead. Honey set up his team nicely producing some clean deliveries, while Carroll had hot hands on the footy early. Liam McMahon would kick his first from set shot, followed by Binns snapping one from 40 metres out. Marchbank and Durdin continued to impress with some intercept marks behind the ball, while Parks didn’t go unnoticed applying pressure in defence. Cahill scored back-to-back goals, and O’Keeffe converted from at set shot as the Blues led by 57 points at half-time.
Quarter three
There was more of a contest this term compared to the rest, with Carlton kicking four goals to Coburg’s two. Ronke found McMahon who booted it long from the 50-metre arc to collect his second, but the Lions were right there to return the favour. McMahon would hit the scoreboard again but the ball saw a lot more of Coburg’s forward half this quarter, and their defence did well at stopping some of the Blues’ scoring opportunities. The Lions snagged another goal, as Jesse Motlop hit the scoreboard soon after, weaving his way out of trouble after starting at the centre bounce. As Coburg continued to press, Carlton’s defensive unit kept their composure, while Binns was more active on the wing in the second half. Ronke kicked his second with a classy goal from close range, seeing the Blues head into the final term with a comfortable lead.
Quarter four
As it was last week, the Blues went into the last quarter with a massive lead, but the Lions showed no signs of backing down easy. O’Brien continued to be lively in the midfield and rewarded himself with a goal, before Harry Lemmey snagged one in and McMahon converted his fourth. However, after the margin ballooned out to 87 points, the Lions piled on the next seven consecutive goals. Honey booted a long-range goal near the boundary line to break Coburg’s streak, and Ronke would collect his hat-trick late in the quarter. Even though the Lions came out with a big fourth quarter, the Blues had done their work, taking home a 52-point victory down Sydney Road.
Match Review
Carlton climbed into the top 10 with an 85-point belting of an outclassed Northern Bullants at IKON Park. The Blues kicked five goals to two in the first term and were never threatened, leading by 47 points by half-time before a four-goal blast in the space of four minutes in the third blew it out to 68 and raised fears of a massive margin. The Bullants fought the game out and stemmed the Blues’ avenues to goal but couldn’t lay a hand on their opponents (only 45 tackles) as Carlton piled up 62 inside-50s to 26 despite having 22 less disposals. Paddy Dow added goal kicking to his usual stack of disposals, slotting three from 29 touches, eight clearances and nine inside-50s, with Jaxon Binns also banging down the AFL door with 29 disposals, five clearances, six tackles, six entries and a goal. Jesse Motlop did likewise with 23 disposals, five marks, six tackles and four goals, while Jack Carroll (23 disposals, eight marks, five tackles, seven entries), Lachie Plowman (21 disposals, eight marks) and Lachie Cowan (25 disposals) also contributing strongly. Patrick Fairlie (38 disposals, eight marks, eight clearances, one goal) and Jean-Luc Velissaris (35 disposals, 11 marks, eight clearances, one goal) couldn’t have done any more for the Bullants but they fell away quickly behind Dylan Laurie (24 disposals, seven marks) and Cam Wild (23 disposals, seven marks). - Smithys Report.VFLCA Votes
10 - Paddy Dow (CAR)8 - Jesse Motlop (CAR)
5 - Jaxon Binns (CAR)
3 - Lachlan Cowan (CAR)
3 - Lachie Plowman (CAR)
1 - Patrick Fairlie (NB)
Video
https://www.afl.com.au/video/960499/vfl-mini-match-r15-carlton-v-northern-bullants?videoId=960499&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1688184300001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5227%2CAFL_ROUND%3A818&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5227,AFL_ROUND:818
Round 16, 2023.
| CARLTON | 4.6.30 | 9.10.64 | 13.10.88 | 18.15 (123) |
| COBURG | 1.1.7 | 1.1.7 | 3.4.22 | 11.5 (71) |
| Venue: | Piranha Park, Coburg. | |||
| Date: | Saturday 8th July, 2023 (1.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Won by 52 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Liam McMahon 4.0, Ned Cahill 3.3, Ben Ronke 3.1, Josh Honey 2.1, Jesse Motlop 1.1, Harry Lemmey 1.1, Hudson O'Keeffe 1.0, Lochie O'Brien 1.0, Ben Crocker 1.0, Jaxon Binns 1.0, Heath Ramshaw 0.2, Logan Prout 0.1, Blake Kuipers 0.1, Oliver Hollands 0.1, Caleb Marchbank 0.1, Rushed 0.2. | |||
| Best: | C. Marchbank, J. Carroll, J. Honey, B. Ronke, S. Durdin, L. O’Brien. | |||
| Reports: | ||||
| Injuries: | ||||
Team
B: (14) Oliver Hollands, (3) Jesse Motlop, (4) Lochie O'BrienHB: (16) Jack Carroll, (20) Lachie Plowman, (22) Caleb Marchbank
C: (36) Josh Honey, (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns
HF: (38) Sam Durdin, (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (51) Heath Ramshaw
F: (52) Liam McMahon, (68) Mitch Moschetti, (54) Ned Cahill
R: (57) Ben Crocker, (60) Blake Kuipers
I: (63) Luke Parks, (67) Ben Ronke, (72) Darcy Porter, (74) Logan Prout, (41) Domanic Akuei, (00) Darcy Hogg
Young Blues star in comprehensive win
The Carlton Reserves made it five wins from their last six games. - By Samantha Smith.THE Carlton reserves had another impressive win this week against Coburg Lions on Saturday afternoon at Piranha Park, winning by 52 points. Despite the windy conditions, the Blues got off to a good start to secure a strong lead at half time. While the final term saw the Lions pile on seven consecutive goals to cut into Carlton’s massive lead, the Blues had already secured their fate to take away another big win. Ollie Hollands (24 disposals) had a successful return after sustaining a collarbone injury in May, while Caleb Marchbank (22 disposals) was energetic down back. Jack Carroll and Jaxon Binns (one goal) were the most prolific with 32 disposals each, and Liam McMahon led the team with four goals.
Quarter one
The Blues opened up proceedings quickly as Ned Cahill found Ben Crocker who snapped truly. Hudson O’Keefe and Lochie O’Brien were dynamic in the midfield, and Sam Durdin’s presence down back was known early. Ben Ronke would collect his first of the match 14 minutes in, as the Blues defence held strong with Luke Parks, Lachie Plowman and Marchbank all involved. Coburg scored their first goal late in the quarter, and although Carlton had scoring opportunities to stretch their lead, the breeze made for a tricky assignment. It was in the last few minutes of the quarter where the Blues found some momentum, when a great transition through the corridor from the Blues saw the Sherrin land into the hands of Josh Honey, who converted his first. Ned Cahill followed suit with a clean goal shortly after, seeing the Blues lead by 23 points at the end of the first term.
Quarter two
The Blues started to take control towards the end of the first quarter, and continued to show authority in the second. Carlton was able to keep the Lions scoreless this quarter, as they pressed to stretch their lead. Honey set up his team nicely producing some clean deliveries, while Carroll had hot hands on the footy early. Liam McMahon would kick his first from set shot, followed by Binns snapping one from 40 metres out. Marchbank and Durdin continued to impress with some intercept marks behind the ball, while Parks didn’t go unnoticed applying pressure in defence. Cahill scored back-to-back goals, and O’Keeffe converted from at set shot as the Blues led by 57 points at half-time.
Quarter three
There was more of a contest this term compared to the rest, with Carlton kicking four goals to Coburg’s two. Ronke found McMahon who booted it long from the 50-metre arc to collect his second, but the Lions were right there to return the favour. McMahon would hit the scoreboard again but the ball saw a lot more of Coburg’s forward half this quarter, and their defence did well at stopping some of the Blues’ scoring opportunities. The Lions snagged another goal, as Jesse Motlop hit the scoreboard soon after, weaving his way out of trouble after starting at the centre bounce. As Coburg continued to press, Carlton’s defensive unit kept their composure, while Binns was more active on the wing in the second half. Ronke kicked his second with a classy goal from close range, seeing the Blues head into the final term with a comfortable lead.
Quarter four
As it was last week, the Blues went into the last quarter with a massive lead, but the Lions showed no signs of backing down easy. O’Brien continued to be lively in the midfield and rewarded himself with a goal, before Harry Lemmey snagged one in and McMahon converted his fourth. However, after the margin ballooned out to 87 points, the Lions piled on the next seven consecutive goals. Honey booted a long-range goal near the boundary line to break Coburg’s streak, and Ronke would collect his hat-trick late in the quarter. Even though the Lions came out with a big fourth quarter, the Blues had done their work, taking home a 52-point victory down Sydney Road.
Match Review
Carlton grabbed its fifth win in six matches to move a game clear inside the top 10 with a comfortable 52-point victory over Coburg for its first successful trip to Piranha Park. The Blues had lost their previous three journeys up Sydney Rd but stamped their authority on this contest early with 4.6 to 1.1 in the first quarter and rolled on with another 5.4 to nothing in the second for a 57-point lead at half-time. The margin grew to 66 points turning for home but to the Lions’ credit they roared to life in the last quarter and banged on eight goals to five to win the second half as the game turned into a shootout.Jaxon Binns is banging down the door for AFL selection with a sledgehammer, piling up another 35 disposals, eight marks, six inside-50s, five rebounds and a goal to be a clear best-on-ground. Jack Carroll (32 disposals, five clearances, five entries), Jesse Motlop (25 disposals, seven entries, one goal), Caleb Marchbank (23 disposals, seven marks, five entries, five rebounds) and Ollie Hollands (23 disposals, five clearances, six tackles) also put their hands up. Ben Ronke (20 disposals, eight marks, six entries, three goals), Heath Ramshaw (25 disposals), Liam McMahon (four goals) and Ned Cahill (14 disposals, six marks, three goals) performed strongly off the VFL list. Lachlan Walker was on fire in defence for Coburg, winning 35 possessions, 12 marks and seven rebounds, Mitch Podhajski (26 disposals, seven marks, one goal) got up the ground and rookie Luke Bailey (26 disposals, six clearances, six tackles) has settled into VFL footy quickly. Meanwhile, Nathan Boucher (23 disposals, five marks, seven entries), Flynn Gentile (24 disposals, five entries), Luke Nelson (25 disposals) earned plenty of touches and Kyle Weightman and Aaron Clarke kicked three goals apiece.
VFLCA Votes
8 - Jaxon Binns (CAR)5 - Caleb Marchbank (CAR)
4 - Jack Carroll (CAR)
4 - Josh Honey (CAR)
4 - Liam McMahon (CAR)
3 - Ned Cahill (CAR)
1 - Luke Bailey (COB)
1 - Lachlan Walker (COB)
Video
Round 17, 2023.
BYE
Round 18, 2023.
| CARLTON | 3.6.24 | 8.10.58 | 12.13.85 | 15.15 (105) |
| PORT MELBOURNE | 3.0.18 | 5.2.32 | 6.4.40 | 10.9 (69) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Saturday 22nd July, 2023 (11.05 am). | |||
| Result: | Won by 36 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Ned Cahill 2.2, Liam McMahon 2.1, Ben Crocker 2.1, Ben Ronke 2.0, Hudson O'Keeffe 2.0, Jaxon Binns 1.2, Marc Pittonet 1.1, Logan Prout 1.0, Harry Lemmey 1.0, Jack Lefroy 1.0, Lochie O'Brien 0.3, Heath Ramshaw 0.1, Mitch Moschetti 0.1, Jack Maruff 0.1, Michael Lewis 0.1, Rushed 0.1. | |||
| Best: | M. Pittonet, L. O’Brien, C. Marchbank, S. Durdin, M. Moschetti, N. Cahill. | |||
| Reports: | ||||
| Injuries: | ||||
Team
B: (4) Lochie O'Brien, (16) Jack Carroll, (19) Corey DurdinHB: (20) Lachie Plowman, (22) Caleb Marchbank, (27) Marc Pittonet
C: (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns, (38) Sam Durdin
HF: (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (41) Domanic Akuei, (51) Heath Ramshaw
F: (52) Liam McMahon, (54) Ned Cahill, (57) Ben Crocker
R: (58) Michael Lewis, (66) Aiden Mills, (67) Ben Ronke
I: (68) Mitch Moschetti, (74) Logan Prout, (78) Jack Maruff, (79) Jack Lefroy, (63) Luke Parks
Pittonet’s strong return in big win
Carlton recorded its fifth win from six games in Round 18 VFL action. - By Cristian Filippo, Carlton Media.The Carlton reserves made it five wins from their last six games with a 36-point triumph over Port Melbourne. The Blues led at every change in the 15.15 (105) to 10.9 (69) victory, with the likes of Marc Pittonet, Caleb Marchbank and Lochie O’Brien producing vital showings. The home side went a whole half two rotations down, when the returning Corey Durdin - who started in the midfield and produced the opening assist - came from the ground early in the first quarter with a shoulder injury, while a migraine kept Jack Carroll out of the game from the second term. However, in their absence, the Blues were still able to lift, starring in the pressure stakes to secure a win that elevated them to eighth on the VFL ladder. Early inaccuracy threatened to scupper the Blues’ hands, leading by six behinds at the first change, but they were well on their way to their ninth win of the campaign after tidying things up in front of goal. It started in the middle with Pittonet, who was playing his first game back since the bye following a PCL strain. As the main ruckman, Pittonet led the way, producing 16 disposals, eight clearances and eight tackles in a physical showing from the returning big man.
In the absence of Carroll and Durdin, it was an unfamiliar midfield mix that got the job done for the Blues, with O’Brien moving inside the contest and finishing with 29 disposals and six tackles. That was the embodiment of Carlton’s game, finishing the day with 28 more tackles than its opposition. In attack, it was again an even spread in front of goal: 10 individual goalkickers contributed to the total of 15, with five multiple goalkickers kicking two apiece. Re-signed last week, Jaxon Binns (34 disposals, one goal) and Harry Lemmey (six marks, one goal) both showed further signs of why their time in the Navy Blue is continuing, while Hudson O’Keeffe contributed two majors, spending more time forward given the return of Pittonet. The band was back together from a VFL-listed point of view as Ned Cahill, Ben Crocker and Ben Ronke all shared in the spoils, while at the other end, the AFL trio of Sam Durdin, Caleb Marchbank and Lachie Plowman steadied the ship. Marchbank was particularly impressive down back, amassing 29 disposals (including nine intercept possessions) and 10 marks in another promising all-round game from the defender. Carlton will take on Collingwood this Saturday - a day after the big Friday night clash between the AFL sides - at Victoria Park, the scene of last year’s elimination final victory.
Match Review
Carlton moved a game clear inside the top 10 and officially snuffed out Port Melbourne’s finals hopes with a convincing 36-point victory at IKON Park. The Blues’ sixth win from their past seven games came with a professional display in which they edged clear with five goals to two in the second quarter to grab a 26-point lead that could have been bigger if they’d kicked straight, having 18 scores to seven at the main break. Another 4.3 to 1.2 in the third quarter set Carlton up for a percentage booster but Port fought the game out strongly, adding 4.5 to 3.2 to win the final term. Carlton coach Luke Power would be delighted with the 66-38 tackle count win, as well as the Blues spread of 10 goal kickers and the continued brilliance of young draftee Jaxon Binns, who again carved up the opposition with 34 disposals, seven marks and a goal.Marc Pittonet (16 disposals, 18 hitouts, eight clearances, eight tackles, one goal) worked hard around the ground against Sam Naismith (14 disposals, 27 hitouts, five clearances). Lochie O’Brien (28 disposals, 10 marks, five clearances, seven tackles, six entries) and youngsters Mitch Moschetti (23 disposals, seven clearances, five tackles, eight entries) and Heath Ramshaw (21 disposals, five clearances, five entries) were good in the midfield, while Caleb Marchbank (29 disposals, 10 marks) was magnificent in defence and Ned Cahill (21 disposals, two goals) elusive in attack. Port’s Fothergill-Round-Mitchell medallist Ethan Phillips (29 disposals, 15 marks) did his best to hold out the Blue attacks with support from Tom Hird (22 disposals, five marks, seven rebounds), Fraser Rosman (20 disposals, nine marks) and Tom Cameron (17 disposals, five marks, seven rebounds). Port Melbourne skipper Harvey Hooper (31 disposals, seven clearances, 10 entries, one goal) was again brilliant around the ball with support from Nash Holmes (25, six tackles) and Dylan Clarke (24), while Kyle Viccars had a breakout game in attack with 23 touches, five marks and four goals.
VFLCA Votes
Video
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1386418/vfl-r18-all-carlton-highlights-v-port-melbourne?videoId=1386418&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1690177946001
Round 19, 2023.
| CARLTON | 3.0.18 | 4.4.28 | 8.5.53 | 11.6 (72) |
| COLLINGWOOD | 3.4.22 | 7.8.50 | 12.11.83 | 14.16 (100) |
| Venue: | Victoria Park, Abbotsford VIC. | |||
| Date: | Saturday 29th July , 2023 (1.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 28 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Ned Cahill 3.0, Ben Ronke 2.1, Jack Lefroy 2.1, Liam McMahon 1.1, Jack Carroll 1.1, Lochie O'Brien 1.0, Harry Lemmey 1.0, Jaxon Binns 0.1, Rushed 0.1. | |||
| Best: | Z. Fisher, J. Carroll, L. Cowan, S. Durdin, B. Ronke, L. O’Brien. | |||
| Reports: | ||||
| Injuries: | ||||
Team
B: (4) Lochie O'Brien, (16) Jack Carroll, (25) Zac FisherHB: (20) Lachie Plowman, (33) Lewis Young, (35) Ed Curnow
C: (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns, (38) Sam Durdin
HF: (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (41) Domanic Akuei, (51) Heath Ramshaw
F: (52) Liam McMahon, (54) Ned Cahill, (00) Hugo Nosiara
R: (26) Lachlan Cowan, (66) Aiden Mills, (67) Ben Ronke
I: (68) Mitch Moschetti, (74) Logan Prout, (79) Jack Lefroy, (63) Luke Parks, (36) Josh Honey
Carroll, Fisher strong in defeat
A summary of Carlton's Round 19 VFL clash with Collingwood. - By Samantha Smith.The Carlton reserves took on Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon, but unlike the Friday night clash between the two AFL sides, the Blues weren’t able to come away with the win. Falling by 28 points, it was an exciting match-up at Victoria Park, but it was in the second quarter where the Pies took charge. AFL-listed Blues Zac Fisher (30 disposals) and Jack Carroll (26 disposals, one goal) made an impact in the middle, while Lachie Cowan was impressive down back with 27 disposals.
Quarter one
The ball was in Collingwood’s hands early, converting the first major of the game two minutes in. Ned Cahill kicked his first of three goals from just inside the 50-metre line, but the Pies responded truly. Fisher was dynamic in the midfield producing some quality scoring opportunities for the Blues, with Cahill quickly securing his second. Lewis Young was active early, taking some intercept marks and applying the pressure in defence alongside Luke Parks and Lachie Plowman. Binns was similarly energetic, with a tight contest emerging as both teams put in the work. Ben Ronke snapped home at the 20-minute mark, but the Pies converted late in the quarter to see the Blues trail by four points at the end of the first charge.
Quarter two
Once again, the Pies opened up the quarter with a goal. Cowan and Young were lively in the back line, and a clean assist from Jack Carroll saw Harry Lemmey run into an open goal, but the Blues would not kick another for the rest of the quarter. With Collingwood keeping Carlton to just one goal, they started to take control, kicking back-to-back goals in quick succession. Hudson O’Keeffe dominated the ruck (33 hitouts for the game), while debutant Hugo Nosiara (six tackles) produced some physical football in his debut. Carlton saw a few scoring opportunities but struggled to convert, as Collingwood kicked another goal just before the siren to stretch their lead by 22 points.
Quarter three
Collingwood converted the first three goals to start off the second half, but also managed to stop the Blues in their tracks when they looked to create meaningful chances going forward. In the second half of the term, however, the Blues start to convert their attacking opportunities, with Jack Lefroy, Ronke and Cahill all finding form in front of the big sticks. Sam Durdin made his presence known in the back line after starting up forward, while Jack Carroll had some key moments in the midfield, rewarding himself with a classy goal. The Pies continued to push, thwarting the Blues’ momentum with a late goal to see Carlton trail by 30 points at the final change.
Quarter four
Collingwood came out with speed and scored early in the quarter, but inaccuracy left the Blues with a chance to get back in the contest. They continued to push, as Lefroy kicking his second goal minutes in before assisting Liam McMahon, who goaled against his old side. Some scrappy football from both sides inside Carlton’s forward 50 was eventually cleaned up by Lochie O’Brien who scooped it up and snapped truly, but although the Blues battled hard in the final term, it was a case of too little too late. A Collingwood goal just before the final siren saw Carlton fall at the home of the old enemy.
Match Review
Collingwood climbed back into the top 10 with a convincing 28-point win over arch-rival Carlton at Victoria Park on Saturday to gain a small modicum of revenge for being eliminated by the Blues in the first week of the finals last year. The Blues came in confident after six wins in their previous seven matches and there was nothing between the teams for the first 40 minutes of the game before the Magpies broke it open with three goals in five minutes to lead by 22 points at half-time. They added three more to open the third term, pushing the margin beyond seven goals and effectively sealing the points. Although Carlton rallied with four of the next five goals, Will Kelly’s third in the shadows of three quarter-time put paid to any thoughts of a comeback. Kelly and Trent Bianco were sensational for the Magpies playing up the field from their customary defensive posts, the former winning 22 disposals and taking nine marks to go with his three goals and the latter picking up 32 touches, six marks and five entries.Josh Carmichael (28 disposals, six clearances, six entries), Trey Ruscoe (24 disposals, eight marks) and Campbell Hustwaite (24 disposals, seven clearances, six tackles) were also prominent. Up forward Ash Johnson (eight marks, 4.4) and Nathan Kreuger (four marks, 3.1) were too big for the Blues’ backline and Jack Ginnivan (16 disposals, two goals) was lively at their feet. Jaxon Binns once again starred for Carlton in a brilliant first season at VFL level, earning 32 disposals, taking 11 marks and laying seven tackles as he roamed all over the ground and Lachie Cowan (28 disposals, seven marks, eight rebounds) was in fine touch down back. Zac Fisher (30 disposals, six entries), Jack Carroll (26 disposals, six entries, one goal) and Ben Ronke (19 disposals, six entries, two goals) played well, while Hudson O’Keeffe had a run in the ruck and did well with 33 hitouts, while Ned Cahill kicked three goals.
VFLCA Votes
Video
https://www.afl.com.au/video/989231/vfl-mini-match-r19-collingwood-v-carlton?videoId=989231&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1690599900001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5255%2CAFL_ROUND%3A822&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5255,AFL_ROUND:822
Round 20, 2023.
BYE
Round 21, 2023.
| CARLTON | 2.3.15 | 7.5.47 | 9.11.65 | 11.11 (77) |
| CASEY DEMONS | 2.1.13 | 6.2.38 | 8.10.58 | 9.15 (69) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Sunday 13th August 2023 (12.00 pm) | |||
| Result: | Won by 8 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Ned Cahill 4.0, Ben Ronke 2.1, Josh Honey 1.2, Ben Crocker 1.2, Liam McMahon 1.1, Dom Akuei 1.1, Jordan Boyd 1.0, Harry Lemmey 0.1, Aiden Mills 0.1, Rushed 0.3. | |||
| Best: | Jordan Boyd, Jack Carroll, Ned Cahill, Sam Durdin, Lewis Young, Lochie O'Brien. | |||
| Reports: | ||||
| Injuries: | ||||
Team
B: (41) Domanic Akuei, (33) Lewis Young, (38) Sam DurdinHB: (37) Jordan Boyd, (26) Lachlan Cowan, (20) Lachie Plowman
C: (4) Lochie O'Brien, (16) Jack Carroll, (32) Jaxon Binns
HF: (36) Josh Honey, (57) Ben Crocker, (67) Ben Ronke
F: (54) Ned Cahill, (52) Liam McMahon, (31) Harry Lemmey
R: (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (34) Sam Philp, (35) Ed Curnow
I: (66) Aiden Mills, (51) Heath Ramshaw, (58) Michael Lewis, (00) Hugo Nosiara, (63) Luke Parks
Match Review
Boyd best afield in crucial Carlton win
For the second time in as many days, the Blues beat the Demons in an arm wrestle. - By Samantha Smith.The Carlton Reserves had an exciting match up against Casey Demons on Sunday afternoon at IKON Park, winning by eight points. The Blues were up for the whole match, but the Demons did not back down easy. In a nail-biting fourth quarter, Carlton led by less than a goal halfway through the term: however, just like their AFL counterparts the night before, they showed fight and grit to secure the win. Jordan Boyd had a successful return from suspension with 25 disposals and a goal in a best-on-ground performance. Jack Carroll put on a show in the midfield collecting 24, while Ned Cahill was once again active converting four first-half goals. In his first game for over 12 months, Sam Philp made a successful return to action, emerging unscathed in the eight-point win.
Quarter one
Carlton came out with the momentum early but struggled to convert, and a tight contest made it hard for both teams to kick the opening goal. Lochie O'Brien was busy between the arcs, leading the disposals in the first quarter, while Sam Durdin was involved early in the backline, with help from Lewis Young and Luke Parks. Ben Ronke made an impression early staying active around the ball, rewarding himself by kicking the first goal of the quarter 10 minutes in. Jordan Boyd was dynamic behind the ball, before the Sherrin found its way to Ned Cahill who snapped his first goal from the boundary line. While the ball lived in Carlton’s hands for most of the quarter, Casey recorded back-to-back goals just before the siren, seeing the Blues lead by two points at the first change.
Quarter two
Sam Durdin continued down back, taking some big intercept marks to stop the Demons from hitting the scoreboard. Young read the ball well, and slick ball movement from the Blues led to a mark to Dom Akuei - who played up forward - who hit the scoreboard from a set shot. Josh Honey produced some physical football, making a few hard tackles, while Ned Cahill and Liam McMahon converted back-to-back goals for the Blues. Some scrappy football in front of the Blues goal square saw Cahill soccer one in to collect his third. Like it was in the first, the Demons did not see much of the ball early, but they kicked back-to-back goals late in the quarter to cut the margin. Carlton responded swiftly, with Cahill booting another goal to make it four for the half. However, the Demons were right on their tail, converting another two goals just before the siren to cut the Blues’ lead to eight points heading into half time.
Quarter three
Captain Ben Crocker opened up the second term, using his speed to kick a clean goal. However the Demons came out with authority, kicking back-to-back goals in quick succession as had been the trend of the afternoon. The Blues had the lead the entirety of the match, but the Demons continued to push, keeping themselves in the game. Jack Carroll had some midfield highlights, producing scoring opportunities for the Blues, and Jaxon Binns was lively to start the second half, having hot hands on the footy. Jordan Boyd was dynamic all day, and converted a long-range goal at the 20-minute mark. The Demons had a few chances to try snatch the lead, but inaccuracy saw the Blues hold onto their lead by seven points leading into the final term.
Quarter four
Casey came out hot, but the Carlton defence did well to stop them from scoring with Lachie Plowman, Jordan Boyd and Sam Durdin all involved. The Blues found their way to the goal posts, with Ben Ronke there to put it away and open up a handy gap. The Demons were able to respond shortly after, making for a tense end to the game. Sam Durdin stepped up when it mattered, producing some solid defence and intercept marks, while Luke Parks continued to impress and apply the pressure. After defending for the majority of the quarter, the Blues were able to rebound from the Demons’ attacking 50, before a free kick to Liam McMahon saw him find Josh Honey for a crucial goal. In what was a nail-biter of a finish, Casey had a few shots on goal to close the game but couldn’t convert, seeing Carlton emerge with a big win at its home ground.
Smithy's VFL Round 21 Review
Carlton led all day to stun Casey Demons by eight points at IKON Park on Sunday in a result that turned the finals race on its head. The Blues virtually locked up their spot in the top 10, ended the Demons’ hopes of sneaking into the top four while leaving them on the precipice of dropping out of the six. It also killed off the seasons of 2022 grand finalist Southport, as well as GWS as they watched helplessly from north of the border. It was all done in a single burst out of quarter-time where the home team booted four goals in 10 minutes – two to Ned Cahill including a volley that did his legendary Socceroos namesake Tim proud – to turn a two-point lead into 26 and leave the reigning premiers shellshocked. Casey battled back as all good teams do, getting to within nine points at half-time and three when George Gray kicked a goal in the 10th minute, but Carlton defended stoutly knowing its season depended on it with a daunting Round 22 trip to Gold Coast on the horizon and never relinquished the lead. The Blues’ defensive efforts were even starker given the Demons had 13 more inside-50s and the top five possession winners on the ground, led by Luke Dunstan who amassed 39 disposals, seven marks, eight clearances, seven tackles and a goal.
Bailey Laurie (30 disposals, six tackles, five entries, one goal), James Harmes (30 disposals, nine entries), Charlie Spargo (28 disposals, seven entries, one goal) and Taj Woewodin (25 disposals, five clearances, five tackles) were also lively through the middle, while Adam Tomlinson (29 disposals, eight marks, six entries, nine rebounds) was almost impassable when the ball went in his direction. But Carlton’s runners were simply too slick with Jordan Boyd returning from an AFL suspension to push for best afield honours with 26 possessions, five marks, seven rebounds and a goal, while Jaxon Binns’ remarkable debut season continued with 26 disposals, 10 marks and five rebounds. Jack Carroll (24 disposals, eight clearances, five entries) and Lewis Young (22 disposals, seven marks, six rebounds) also shone for the Blues, while Cahill was deadly in attack with six marks and four goals.
VFLCA Votes
Video
https://www.afl.com.au/video/1007848/vfl-mini-match-r21-carlton-v-casey?videoId=1007848&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1691892000001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5275%2CAFL_ROUND%3A824&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5275,AFL_ROUND:824
Round 22 2023.
| CARLTON | 1.2.8 | 2.2.14 | 2.4.16 | 2.10 (22) |
| GOLD COAST SUNS | 3.3.21 | 14.7.91 | 21.9.135 | 23.11 (149) |
| Venue: | Heritage Bank Stadium, Gold Coast. | |||
| Date: | Saturday 19th August, 2023 (10.25 am). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 127 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Ben Crocker 1.1, Jack Silvagni 1.0, Ben Ronke 0.2, Sam Philp 0.1, Lochie O'Brien 0.1, Liam McMahon 0.1, Harry Lemmey 0.1, Jack Carroll 0.1, Ned Cahill 0.1, Rushed 0.1. | |||
| Best: | ||||
| Reports: | ||||
| Injuries: | ||||
Team
B: (1) Jack Silvagni, (4) Lochie O'Brien, (16) Jack CarrollHB: (19) Corey Durdin, (20) Lachie Plowman, (26) Lachlan Cowan
C: (31) Harry Lemmey, (32) Jaxon Binns, (33) Lewis Young
HF: (34) Sam Philp,(37) Jordan Boyd, (38) Sam Durdin
F: (40) Hudson O'Keeffe, (41) Domanic Akuei, (51) Heath Ramshaw
R: (52) Liam McMahon, (54) Ned Cahill, (57) Ben Crocker
I: (58) Michael Lewis, (63) Luke Parks, (66) Aiden Mills, (67) Ben Ronke, (00) Hugo Nosiara
Match Review
Gold Coast put down its marker as the premiership favourite with a stunning 127-point obliteration of Carlton at Heritage Bank Stadium on Saturday that sent the Blues spiralling out of the finals race at the final hurdle. The Blues entered the game eight per cent ahead of 10th-placed North Melbourne and two points clear of 11th-placed Richmond with those two teams scheduled to play each other. However, they slumped to the biggest loss in their VFA/VFL history to finish three per cent behind the Kangaroos despite their own eventual defeat. The margin was 13 points greater than Carlton’s previous biggest loss – 114 points to Geelong at IKON Park in 2002, and a whopping 53 points greater than their record away defeat of 74 points to Sandringham in the 2000 preliminary final at ETU Stadium. There was little sign of what was to come at quarter-time when the Suns led by 13 points but the second term might have been the bursting of the Dartmouth Dam wall as the home team racked up a stunning 11.4 to 1.0 to blow the margin out to 77 points at the main break. They continued on their merry way with another seven to none in the third before putting the cue in the rack.Gold Coast had 136 more disposals, won hitouts 53-34, clearances 51-17 and inside-50 entries 68-28 in an ominous show of power ahead of a guaranteed two home finals in the next month – even though the first one is now a QClash. Chris Burgess slammed on six goals in the first half and eight for the match from 10 marks while teammate Brodie McLaughlin booted five with nine grabs as they had the luxury of working out a way to share the Frosty Miller Medal for the league’s leading goalkicker with 51 majors apiece, the second straight such win for Burgess. Charlie Constable (41 disposals, five marks, five rebounds) did as he pleased off half-back and he had plenty of mates, with Alex Davies (31 disposals, 13 clearances, seven tackles, one goal), Oskar Faulkhead (29 disposals, seven clearances, six tackles, seven entries, two goals), James Tsitas (30 disposals, six tackles, six entries, one goal), Elijah Hollands (30 disposals, five clearances, one goal) and Connor Blakely (26 disposals, six marks, seven clearances, seven entries) proving unstoppable. Not surprisingly, Carlton’s most prolific players were in defence, where first-year star Jaxon Binns (27 disposals, five tackles, five rebounds), Lewis Young (22 disposals, 15 marks, eight rebounds), Lachie Cowan (23 disposals, eight marks, five tackles, seven rebounds) and Sam Durdin (21 disposals, 10 marks) did their best to hold back the tidal wave.
VFLCA Votes
Video
https://www.afl.com.au/video/1012613/vfl-mini-match-r22-gold-coast-v-carlton?videoId=1012613&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1692404700001&pageSize=50&tagNames=ProgramCategory%3AMini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH%3A5276%2CAFL_ROUND%3A825&tagNames=ProgramCategory:Mini-Matches&references=AFL_MATCH:5276,AFL_ROUND:825
Ladder end of 2023 VFL Home & Away Season.
| Pos | Team | Wins | Losses | Draws | Points | For | Against | % |
| 1 | Gold Coast Suns | 16 | 2 | 0 | 64 | 2137 | 1158 | 184.5 |
| 2 | Werribee Tigers | 16 | 2 | 0 | 64 | 1747 | 1040 | 168.0 |
| 3 | Box Hill Hawks | 14 | 4 | 0 | 56 | 1681 | 1305 | 128.8 |
| 4 | Brisbane Lions | 13 | 4 | 1 | 54 | 1838 | 1204 | 152.7 |
| 5 | Williamstown | 13 | 5 | 0 | 52 | 1349 | 1222 | 110.4 |
| 6 | Footscray Bulldogs | 12 | 6 | 0 | 48 | 1659 | 1278 | 129.8 |
| 7 | Casey Demons | 11 | 7 | 0 | 44 | 1607 | 1255 | 128.0 |
| 8 | Collingwood | 11 | 7 | 0 | 44 | 1620 | 1363 | 118.9 |
| 9 | Richmond | 10 | 7 | 1 | 42 | 1347 | 1359 | 99.1 |
| 10 | North Melbourne | 10 | 8 | 0 | 40 | 1505 | 1369 | 109.9 |
| 11 | Carlton | 10 | 8 | 0 | 40 | 1412 | 1326 | 106.5 |
| 12 | GWS Giants | 9 | 9 | 0 | 36 | 1454 | 1658 | 87.7 |
| 13 | Geelong | 8 | 9 | 1 | 34 | 1247 | 1549 | 80.5 |
| 14 | Southport | 8 | 10 | 0 | 32 | 1494 | 1384 | 107.9 |
| 15 | Port Melbourne | 6 | 12 | 0 | 24 | 1270 | 1512 | 84.0 |
| 16 | Sandringham Zebras | 5 | 12 | 1 | 22 | 1298 | 1482 | 87.6 |
| 17 | Essendon | 5 | 13 | 0 | 20 | 1263 | 1545 | 81.7 |
| 18 | Sydney Swans | 4 | 14 | 0 | 16 | 1241 | 1651 | 75.2 |
| 19 | Frankston | 4 | 14 | 0 | 16 | 1112 | 1566 | 71.0 |
| 20 | Northern Bullants | 2 | 16 | 0 | 8 | 844 | 2088 | 40.4 |
| 21 | Coburg Lions | 0 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 1022 | 1833 | 55.8 |
2023 VFL Finals Series
Week 1
Wildcard Round - The first six teams qualified directly for the finals while the four teams from 7th-10th played off in a 'wildcard round.1st Wildcard Match - Collingwood 21.9.135 d Richmond 8.12.60
2nd Wildcard Match - Casey Demons 20.14.134 d North Melbourne 5.3.33
Week 2
1st Qualifying Final - Gold Coast Suns 19.13.127 d Brisbane Lions 12.12.842nd Qualifying Final - Werribee Tigers 11.14.80 d Box Hill Hawks 8.12.60
1st Elimination Final - Williamstown 12.10.82 d Collingwood 3.9.27
2nd Elimination Final - Footscray Bulldogs 22.16.148 d Casey Demons 10.9.69
Week 3
1st Semi Final - Box Hill Hawks 14.11.95 d Footscray Bulldogs 10.15.752nd Semi Final - Brisbane Lions 12.16.88 d Williamstown 7.6.48
Week 4
1st Preliminary Final - Werribee Tigers 14.10.94 d Brisbane Lions 9.10.642nd Preliminary Final - Gold Coast Suns 12.16.88 d Box Hill Hawks 11.7.73