Reserves Season 2024
Coach: Luke Power
Captains: Lachie Swaney and Lachie Young
Best & Fairest: Liam McMahon
Position: 19th
Premier: Werribee
Carlton's 2024 Reserves Team Squad.
VFL Listed Players: 31 (14 primary, 15 development, 2 rookie)
STAYING: VFL: Noah Barnes, Jed Brereton, Ned Cahill, Patrick Dozzi, Hayden Gill, Darcy Hogg, Blake Kuipers, Jack Lefroy, Michael Lewis, Zavier Maher, Jack Maruff, Liam McMahon, Aiden “AJ” Mills, Hugo Nosiara, Logan Prout, Heath Ramshaw, Archie Stevens, Lachie Swaney, Will White.
ARRIVING: Ollie Badr (Camberwell/Oakleigh Chargers), Kristian Ferronato (Eltham/Northern Knights), Jess Gedi (Heidelberg), Luca Goonan (Casey Demons), Bailey Lambert (Frankston), Luke Nelson (Coburg), Tom Phillips (Essendon VFL), Flynn Riley (Montmorency/Northern Knights), Michael Rudd (St Mary’s/Geelong Falcons), Tyson Sruk (Lysterfield/Eastern Ranges), Callum Verrall (Rowville), Lachie Young (North Melbourne AFL).
DEPARTING: Ethan Bentley (delisted), Charlie Brauer (delisted), Nate Caddy (Essendon AFL), Ben Crocker (Collingwood VFL), Sam Grant (Coburg), Tyreece Leiu (South Belgrave), Mitch Moschetti (Port Melbourne), Ben Moyle (delisted), Luke Parks (Williamstown), Eli Pearce (delisted), Darcy Porter (Glenelg), Harley Reid (West Coast AFL), Ben Ronke (retired - Aberfeldie), Nathan Scollo (delisted), Hamish Sinnott (Geelong VFL).
Carlton's 2024 Reserves Team Squad
50 - Zavier Maher
51 - Heath Ramshaw
52 - Liam McMahon
53 - Patrick Dozzi
54 - Ned Cahill
55 - Lachie Young (co-captain)
56 - Flynn Riley
57 - Luke Nelson
58 - Michael Lewis
59 - Tom Phillips
60 - Blake Kuipers
61 - Tyson Sruk
62 - Hayden Gill
63 - Kristian Ferronato
64 - Archie Stevens
65 - Jed Brereton
66 - Luca Goonan
67 - Aiden Mills
68 - Jess Gedi
69 - Hugo Nosiara
70 - Darcy Hogg
71 - Callum Verrell
72 - Ollie Badr
73 - Michael Rudd
74 - Logan Prout
75 - Noah Barnes
76 - Lachlan Swaney (co-captain)
77 - Will White
78 - Jack Maruff
79 - Jack Lefroy
80 - Bailey Lambert
J.J. Liston Trophy Votes: TBD
Coaches MVP Votes: TBD
Best Young Player: Will White
Best Clubman: Lachlan Swaney
Coaches Award: Luke Nelson
Players Award: Liam McMahon
BYE
HB: La. Young (55), L. Cowan (2), A. Cincotta (39)
C: J. Binns (25), B. Wilson (35), T. Phillips (59)
HF: Z. Maher (50), R. Monahan (34), A. Moir (43)
F: L. Nelson (57), H. Lemmey (31), H. O'Keeffe (40)
R: M. Pittonet (27), H. Ramshaw (51), A. Mills (67)
INT: H. Gill (62), W. White (77)*, J. Lefroy (79), A. Stevens (64), M. Lewis (58)
EMG: B. Lambert (80), K. Ferronato (63), B. Kuipers (60), D. Hogg (75), L. Prout (74)
NEW: Ashton Moir, 18, Plympton/Glenelg; Rob Monahan, 19, County Kerry (Ireland); Luke Nelson, 26, Coburg; Tom Phillips, 27, Essendon VFL; Billy Wilson, 18, Dromana/Dandenong Stingrays; Lachie Young, 22, North Melbourne AFL
A spirited second-half comeback fell short for the Carlton Reserves, who succumbed by 16 points in their opening clash of the VFL season against North Melbourne. After being held at an arm’s length by the Roos throughout the first half, the Blues stormed out of the blocks after the main break, even hitting the front in the last quarter. However, a late flurry by the home side ensured it wasn’t to be, with North Melbourne coming away with a 13.12 (90) to 10.14 (74) victory. On a day where the Blues had seven Club debutants, there were positive signs by all three of the Blues’ new AFL recruits in Ashton Moir, Rob Monahan and Billy Wilson. With so many new faces, the Blues took a while to get going, unable to generate any meaningful ball movement from the back half despite faring strongly in the contested possession stakes. North Melbourne dominated the Sherrin from an uncontested point of view, ending the day with +36 marks despite Carlton's clearance dominance. Carlton could only muster three goals in the first half, with Marc Pittonet producing one of those in the first quarter. Amongst a young side, the ruckman provided excellent leadership over all four quarters in a best-on-ground performance for the Blues, on a day where he contributed 25 disposals, 19 hitouts and 12 clearances in addition to that first-quarter major. One player who also stood up for the Blues was Alex Cincotta, who was thrust into the midfield to provide a stronger body around the ball. Looking to provide his trademark run and carry all day, Alex Cincotta ended with 25 disposals and six clearances to go with five tackles. The Blues needed a response in the second half, and someone who kickstarted that was Brodie Kemp (19 disposals, eight marks). Playing down back for the first half, Brodie Kemp was swung into attack to provide an aerial threat at the beginning of the third quarter. It yielded almost immediate results, with Brodie Kemp taking a strong contested mark before snapping a goal a few minutes later to give the Blues some energy and a way back into the game. After North Melbourne looked to settle to respond to Carlton’s early flurry, the Blues’ debutants all stood up in a matter of minutes. VFL first-gamer Will White got on the end of his first major, and when Ashton Moir and Rob Monahan both showed their quality in front of goal in quick succession, Carlton was suddenly within a kick at the final break. The Blues’ momentum continued in the final term, with Zavier Maher - playing his first game in a year, after an ACL injury in Round 1 last season - putting the Blues in front with a running goal from 50. And when Lefroy kicked his third, the Blues suddenly had a handy seven-point buffer. But a late charge from North Melbourne saw the home side kick the last four of the game, with Carlton chasing the result in the final minutes. From a VFL perspective, Lefroy was a clear standout, while Luke Nelson (18 disposals, one goal) and Tom Phillips (19 disposals) - who both arrived from other VFL clubs in the off-season - performed strongly in their first appearances for Carlton. The Blues have another bye in the VFL next weekend, with their next game coming at IKON Park in a fortnight against Collingwood.
8 - Marc Pittonet (CAR)
6 - Charlie Comben (NM)
3 - Alex Cincotta (CAR)
2 - Blake Drury (NM)
1 - Connor Downie (NM)
HB: La. Young (55), D. Akuei (41), M. Lewis (58)
C: J. Binns (25), B. Wilson (35), T. Phillips (59)
HF: Z. Maher (50), A. Moir (43), R. Monahan (34),
F: N. Cahill (52), H. Lemmey (31), W. White (77)
R: H. O'Keeffe (40), H. Ramshaw (51), A. Stevens (64),
INT: K. Ferronato (63), B. Kuipers (60), B. Lambert (80), J. Lefroy (79), L. Nelson (57).
EMG: L. Prout (74), D. Hogg (70), F. Riley (56), L. Swaney (76), J. Gedi (68)
IN: N. Cahill, K. Ferronato, B. Kuipers, B. Lambert, L. McMahon
OUT: B. Kemp, M. Pittonet (AFL), A. Cincotta (managed), H. Gill (concusion), A. Mills (knee)
NEW: Bailey Lambert, 24, 185cm, Frankston; Kristian Ferronato, 19, 184cm, Greensborough/Northern Knights
The Carlton Reserves were on the receiving end of a one-point defeat to Collingwood. In a game similar to Carlton’s AFL clash with Adelaide, neither side had breathing room in a tightly contested game which saw the Pies prevail 12.11 (83) to 12.10 (82). Second-year Blues Lachlan Cowan (22 disposals) and Hudson O'Keeffe (33 hitouts, 10 clearances) were both influential, while VFL-listed debutants Bailey Lambert (three goals) and Kristian Ferronato (16 disposals) impressed in their first games for the Blues.
Quarter one
As Carlton embarked on its second game back for the season after two byes inside three weeks, the Blues came through with a good start to the quarter. Back-and-forth football at Ikon Park saw Collingwood take early possession of the ball for most of the first quarter, as Lachlan Cowan and Lewis Young showed great defensive prowess throughout the quarter to draw the ball and stop the Pies in their forward half. In his first game for the season, Liam McMahon registered the first goal for the Blues in the first 10 minutes of the quarter. Collingwood continued to bring the pressure throughout, before in the second half of the quarter, second-gamer Will White drew not only a free kick but also a 50-metre penalty to close the gap back to a point. However, the Pies quickly scurried back with a goal, seeing the Blues down by five points at quarter time.
Quarter two
The up-and-down nature of the game continued in the second term, with both teams trading goals and lead changes in an arm wrestle at IKON Park. Only one goal was kicked in the last 20 minutes of the quarter, as White kicked Carlton’s second consecutive goal to see the Blues lead by five as the first half drew to a close. Hudson O'Keeffe provided plenty of grunt work as the main ruckman while Jaxon Binns was busy on the wing, leading disposals with 14 for the first half while also converting a second-quarter goal. Carlton were down a man when Billy Wilson came from the ground and didn’t return following a head knock.
Quarter three
Although the Blues got their hands on the ball from the centre bounce, a slow start to the third quarte saw the Pies gain possession and level up the scores. An intercept mark from Lewis Young saw the Blues win the ball back and set up a chain through the middle of the field, leading to the first goal of the quarter through Carlton Reserves debutant Bailey Lambert. The Blues’ backline took another hit when Dom Akuei (concussion) played no further part. Lachlan Cowan continued his busy performance in defence, while Heath Ramshaw and Lachie Young produced intercept marks to halt the Pies. Young’s mark allowed Liam McMahon a chance for his third of the game, before Ned Cahill came out strong, scoring the next two goals for the Blues to see his side lead by one point at the final change.
Quarter four
The final quarter of the game saw continuous back-to-back contests between the Pies and the Blues. However, strong passages of play for the Pies ended in the first three goals of the quarter, with the Blues all of a sudden trailing by 16 points after 12 minutes. In need of a spark, the next few minutes saw Lambert shine, recording back-to-back goals to bring the Blues back in it. Not long after, a goal from Luke Nelson saw the Blues back in front by the narrowest of margins. The Pies dominated territory (59-44 inside 50s), locking the ball in their forward half as they looked to snatch back the lead, doing so with consecutive behinds. Heath Ramshaw and Archie Stevens continued to fight to try and win the ball back from repeat stoppages in the final minutes, but as the siren sounded at the end of the game, the Pies came away winning by one point.
5 - Hudson O'Keeffe (CAR)
5 - Lewis Young (CAR)
4 - Finlay Macrae (COL)
3 - Tew Jiath (COL)
2 - Jaxon Binns (CAR)
2 - Lachlan Cowan (CAR)
1 - Oleg Markov (COL)
HB: A. Mills (67), La. Young (55), M. Lewis (58)
C: J. Binns (25), Z. Maher (50), T. Phillips (59)
HF: A. Moir (43), L. McMahon (52), R. Monahan (34),
F: N. Cahill (52), H. O'Keeffe (40), W. White (77)
R: A. Mirkov (45), H. Ramshaw (51), A. Stevens (64),
INT: K. Ferronato (63), B. Kuipers (60), J. Gedi (68), J. Lefroy (79), L. Nelson (57).
EMG: T. Sruk (61), C. Verrell (71), D. Hogg (70), F. Riley (56), L. Swaney (76), J. Gedi (68), H. Gill (62)
IN: A. Cincotta, A. Mills, A. Mirkov, L. Prout
OUT: L. Cowan, Le. Young (AFL), D. Akuei, B. Wilson (concussion)
The Carlton Reserves have recorded their first win of the season a 20-point victory over Port Melbourne. After a one-point loss last week, the stakes were high in an action-packed contest, with Carlton prevailing 16.15 (111) against Port Melbourne 14.7 (91). Zavier Maher (30 disposals, four clearances) was the beneficiary of good work from Alex Mirkov (26 hitouts) and Hudson O'Keeffe (22 hitouts, five tackles), while VFL-listed debutant Jess Gedi (16 disposals) showed his strengths. In front of goal, Ashton Moir and Will White recorded three goals each.
Quarter one
Taking on Port Melbourne for the third game of the season, the Blues were in need of a fast start. That’s exactly what they got through Ashton Moir, who recorded back-to-back goals within the first five minutes of the game. A slower start for Port Melbourne allowed the Blues to bring great pressure to keep the ball within their half. Liam McMahon kicked his first goal for the game with another involvement from Ashton Moir, with the team’s selflessness on display early as Ned Cahill also hit the scoreboard. The contest for the ball didn’t stop after Port Melbourne opened its account, as a goal from Will White started the Blues up again, with Jack Lefroy and Blake Kuipers bringing Carlton’s goal tally to seven for the game. Tom Phillips led the quarter with eight disposals, as the Blues ended the term with a 15-point lead against the Borough.
Quarter two:
The second quarter started with strong defensive play from captain Lachie Young as well as debutant Jess Gedi, who showed great pressure in the backline. There was great movement of the ball through the centre of the ground, opening the door for Cahill to kick his second of the game. Port Melbourne continued to fight its way back into the contest, but the Blues hurried back to keep their lead with a long-range goal from Heath Ramshaw. Strong work in the contest from both Ramshaw and Zavier Maher saw them lead the disposal count at half time, as the Blues did their best to thwart the Borough from entering inside 50 in a high-scoring game. A goal from Alex Cincotta ended the quarter just how the Blues were hoping, opening up a 16-point lead.
Quarter three:
It was a slow start to the quarter for the Blues, as Port Melbourne took control of the ball and start to close the gap on the scoreboard with the first two goals of the quarter. Carlton looked to respond as good transition from the backline to the forward 50 led to Luke Nelson converting his first of the day. But from there, the rest of the quarter saw Port Melbourne get speed in their ball movement and get reward on the scoreboard. There were some strong defensive efforts from Logan Prout and Ramshaw, but the Blues find themselves behind for the first time as Port Melbourne took the lead by seven points.
Quarter four:
Starting the final quarter of the game, Port Melbourne continued to look to take control of the ball, but the Blues’ defensive intent was clear with a good tackle from Hudson O'Keeffe inside the opening minute. After a stalemate for the opening 10 minute, Will White brought the Blues back into the game with the first goal of the quarter following multiple behinds from both teams. Great ball movement - started by Jaxon Binns - led to a goal from Liam McMahon in direct response to a Port goal, as the Blues started to get their hands on the ball through the centre of the ground. Michael Lewis had some crucial defensive moments against the dangerous Billy Gowers, with White soon after kicking his third of the game. The Blues’ confidence was rising as they hit the lead once more, with Ashton Moir kicking the next goal of the game to open up a handy buffer. The Blues’ hard work and strong finish to the game paid off with Nelson adding another goal, extending the margin to 20 points come the final siren.
7 - Jimmy Miller (PM)
4 - Michael Lewis (CAR)
4 - Will White (CAR)
2 - Ned Cahill (CAR)
2 - Luke Nelson (CAR)
1 - Jaxon Binns (CAR)
HB: B. Wilson (35), H. Lemmey (31), La. Young (55)
C: B. Lambert (80), K. Ferronato (63), T. Phillips (59)
HF: A. Moir (43) , L. McMahon (52), R. Monahan (34),
F: N. Cahill (52), A. Mirkov (45), L. Nelson (57),
R: H. O'Keeffe (40), H. Ramshaw (51), Z. Maher (50)
INT: J. Gedi (68), D. Hogg (70), B. Kuipers (60), A. Stevens (64), W. White (77)
EMG: H. Gill (62), C. Verrell (71), T. Sruk (61), F. Riley (56), J. Brereton (65)
IN: D. Akuei, B. Wilson
OUT: J. Lefroy (illness), A. Mills (ankle)
Note: J. Binns, S. Durdin and Lewis Young were all late withdrawals and didn't play, Binns was promoted for his senior debut.
Carlton fell by 101 points in a defeat to Geelong in Round 7 VFL action. Coming off a great win last week, a Blues side which made four forced changes - losing Jaxon Binns, Alex Cincotta and Sam Durdin on the morning of the game - were no match for an experienced Cats line-up, falling 8.7 (55) to 23.18 (156). Lachie Young (25 disposals) and Zavier Maher (22 disposals) topped the disposals while Archie Stevens (five clearances, seven tackles) didn’t stop fighting all day, with Will White and Liam McMahon kicking two goals each.
Quarter one:
Carlton’s first Saturday game of the season up against Geelong at IKON Park was played under blue skies, as an intercept mark from captain Lachie Young looked to bring the Blues into the game against a determined Cats outfit. It was clear the Blues would have to fight all day to gain possession, often deep in the Cats’ attacking 50. The Blues’ first goal of the day came from Liam McMahon, on the back of slick ball movement down the ground, putting the Blues on the board. Carlton was able to make it a fight in the middle of the ground, winning centre clearances, but Geelong’s power around the ground was too much to handle. Lachie Young, Billy Wilson and Archie Stevens led the disposals for the quarter, with the Blues trailing by 24 at the first change.
Quarter two:
The Cats brought their all to the start of the second quarter, kicking two goals within the first five minutes. The Blues’ pressure was there, with the likes of Ned Cahill, Kristian Ferronato, Ashton Moir and Will White all giving their all, while Blake Kuipers stood out with a spectacular mark on centre wing. Lachie Young continued to be busy with 15 disposals in the opening half, looking to generate some positive momentum for the Blues, while White hit the scoreboard for the fourth consecutive game. However, six goals to the Cats for the term saw their lead extended to 55 points at the main break.
Quarter three:
Despite an early goal for Ashton Moir from a free kick, there was little respite for the Blues to start the third term. Six consecutive goals to the Cats - and nine for the quarter - continued to extend the away side’s lead, despite the Blues’ best efforts. McMahon kicked his second of the day following a strong mark, while persistence paid off for Luke Nelson to also hit the scoreboard. In a game where the Blues had no AFL-listed players with senior experience, there were learnings all over the ground, with youngster Harry Lemmey taking an intercept mark which set up Bailey Lambert’s first for the day. Geelong’s firepower - led by Gary Rohan (four goals) - was too much to handle, with the Blues trailing by 85 points at the final change.
Quarter four:
With the sting out of the game, the Blues looked to maintain control over the ball in the early going of the final term. Intercept marks from Billy Wilson (22 disposals) and Hudson O'Keeffe looked to set the Blues up offensively, while White kicked his second for the day. Good play from Luke Nelson set up an open goal for Ned Cahill, but the Cats’ attacking firepower couldn’t be stopped, with the Blues falling by 101 points at IKON Park.
7 - Mitch Hardie (GEE)
6 - Ted Clohesy (GEE)
5 - Shannon Neale (GEE)
2 - Jhye Clark (GEE)
HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), B. Kemp (17)
C: O. Hollands (4), J. Binns (25), T. Phillips (59)
HF: N. Cahill (54), R. Monahan (34), A. Moir (43)
F: L. McMahon (52), L. Nelson (57), A. Mirkov (45)
R: H. O'Keeffe (40), J. Carroll (16), Z. Maher (50)
INT: D. Hogg (70)*, W. White (77), M. Lewis (58), B. Lambert (80), H. Ramshaw (51)
EMG: A. Stevens (64), K. Ferronato (63), J. Gedi (68), H. Gill (62), C. Verrell (71), L. Prout (74), B. Kuipers (60), J. Lefroy (79)
IN: J. Binns, J. Carroll, S. Durdin, O. Hollands, B. Kemp
OUT: K. Ferronato, J. Gedi, B. Kuipers, L. Prout, A. Stevens
In a back-and-forth game, the Carlton Reserves fell short against Werribee on Saturday. Following a big loss last week, the Blues welcomed back some AFL-listed talent, but were unable to get over the line in the 9.8 (62) to 14.10 (94) defeat. Brodie Kemp (25 disposals, 13 marks) and Billy Wilson (27) topped the possession count, while Hudson O'Keeffe (seven clearances) and Jaxon Binns (eight tackles, two goals) battling hard all day.
Quarter one:
It was a slow start for the Blues at Avalon Airport Oval, allowing Werribee to gain possession over the ball and spend most of the time in their forward half. In his first VFL game for the year, Sam Durdin took an early intercept mark to settle in, while Jack Carroll hunted for the ball in the middle of the ground. Good control of the ball and transition down the ground allowed Alex Mirkov to kick his first VFL career goal, while Dom Akuei had some important defensive moments to bring the ball back into Carlton’s forward half. Some late chances weren’t converted for Carlton as Werribee largely dominated possession, with the Blues trailing by 13 points at the first break.
Quarter two:
The second quarter began in a similar fashion to the first, with Werribee taking control of the ball. However, the Blues’ aggression was turning the game into a contest, with Jack Carroll (14 first-half disposals) busy in the middle while Ashton Moir provided a target forward of the ball. After drawing a 50-metre penalty, Will White kicked his first of the game to bring the Blues back into it on the scoreboard. However, from there, the Blues struggled to cope with Werribee’s pressure. A Dom Akuei intercept led to a chance for Jaxon Binns late in the quarter, which he converted to give the Blues their second of the term: however, the Blues still trailed by 32 points at half time.
Quarter three:
It was a solid start to the third quarter for the Blues, who gained possession of the ball from the centre bounce which ended in Jaxon Binns kicking his second of the game. Strong work up forward from White led to Carroll kicking the Blues’ second in under five minutes, while Brodie Kemp stood up behind the ball with his determination to win the ball back. As the Blues looked to get back into the game, Werribee was able to take control of the contest and make the most of their forward opportunities. A free kick to Hudson O'Keefferegistered the Blues’ third of the quarter, leaving the Blues trailing by 40 at three-quarter time.
Quarter four:
Liam McMahon kicked his first goal of the game on the back of the Blues’ good work at the contest, and after being swung forward in the second half, Harry Lemmey registered his first of the season. Brodie Kemp continued his good afternoon on the way to finish with 25 disposals and a game-high 13 marks, with the Blues’ effort not waning despite the game being out of their reach. However, it wasn’t to be at Avalon Airport Oval, with the Blues falling by 32 points come the final siren.
4 - Riley Bice (WER)
4 - Dom Brew (WER)
4 - Kye Declase (WER)
3 - Jack Henderson (WER)
2 - Jaxon Binns (CAR)
2 - Brodie Kemp (CAR)
1 - Bior Malual (WER)
HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), Lachie. Young (55)
C: J. Binns (25), D. Cunningham (28), H. Ramshaw (51)
HF: N. Cahill (52), H. Lemmey (31), R. Monahan (34)
F: O. Fantasia (14), A. Mirkov (45), L. McMahon (52)
R: H. O'Keeffe (40), J. Carroll (16), A. Moir (43)
INT: M. Lewis (58), L. Nelson (57), O. Poole (75), L. Prout (74), W. White (77)
IN: D. Cuningham, O. Fantasia, C. Marchbank, O. Poole, L. Prout, L. Young
OUT: B. Kemp (AFL), D. Hogg, B. Lambert, Z. Maher, T. Phillips, A. Stevens
NEW: Orazio Fantasia, 28, 180cm, Port Adelaide AFL; Oliver Poole, 19, 183cm, Echuca United/Bendigo Pioneers
In yet another close game, the Carlton Reserves fell just short again against the Casey Demons. Back with a home game for Round 7, the Blues welcomed back some AFL-listed players for the clash with the Dees, but couldn’t secure the win in a back-and-forth contest with a 9.12 (66) to 9.15 (69) defeat. Jaxon Binns dominated the disposal chart (43 disposals) while Orazio Fantasia and Jack Carroll had high clearances (five each). Liam McMahon and Ned Cahill both performed strongly up forward, kicking two goals each for the Blues.
Quarter one:
Starting Round 7 off on a gloomy Friday night, the Blues were slow to get into it, but responded to find Liam McMahon for the Blues’ first goal of the night. A good tackle by Michael Lewis brought the ball back into the Blues’ possession, which was followed by Ned Cahill who scored the second goal for the Blues of the quarter. The Blues generated great ball movement down the ground for Will White to kick a goal from directly in front, before maintain good pressure against the Demons to turn over the ball that led to a Rob Monahan goal. A returning Caleb Marchbank and Sam Durdin in the backline battled to win the ball back, while Jaxon Binns worked hard to help the Blues in defence. At quarter time, the Blues lead by 18.
Quarter two:
Beginning the second quarter, the Blues took hold of the ball with a mark by Logan Prout, which allowed for Hudson O'Keeffe to get his first goal of the night. The Demons came back hunting the ball to score, but the Blues were not far behind them, showing their determination both defensively and offensively. Heath Ramshaw showed his skills when running through centre bounce and gaining possession for the Blues, feeding the ball to Ned Cahill to score his second. Jack Carroll was strong through the contest, leading the disposals with 16, followed closely behind by Jaxon Binns with 15. The Blues looked to stay strong in the contest as the Demons began to press, but they weren’t able to shut down Casey’s attacking options in the second half of the term, trailing by one point as the siren sounded for half time.
Quarter three:
Opening the third quarter, Orazio Fantasia was quick to grasp the ball and bring it into the Blues’ possession. Liam McMahon was able to provide an attacking option inside 50 and kick his second, with the Blues looking to keep possession of the ball on a low-scoring night. with a kick-to-kick movement to keep the ball within their reach. The Demons weren’t to be denied, with both teams battling it out as the Blues showed great determination to keep their lead. Some late chances for the Blues went begging, which opened the door for the Demons to close the quarter with a major, seeing the Blues trail at three-quarter time by four points.
Quarter four:
Starting off the final quarter on a high, the Blues regrouped to get the ball to Jack Carroll and Harry Lemmey who both converted inside the first six minutes to open up a handy gap. The Demons worked their way back up the scoreboard with Ben Brown looming large, making it hard for the Blues to get the ball going in their direction. Alex Mirkov stood out for the Blues with multiple contested marks going his way on the wing, while Jaxon Binns continued a prolific game to bring his tally to 42 disposals for the night. The Blues struggled to leave their defensive half as the Dees hit the front courtesy of consecutive behinds in yet another close game for the Blues, with the siren sounding in what ended a three-point defeat.
8 - Ben Brown (CD)
4 - Lachie Hunter (CD)
3 - Adam Tomlinson (CD)
3 - Mitch White (CD)
2 - Orazio Fantasia (CAR)
1 - Koltyn Tholstrup (CD)
HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), L. Young (55)
C: T. Phillips (59), J. Binns (25), Z. Maher (50)
HF: N. Cahill (54), R. Monahan (34), A. Moir (43)
F: L. McMahon (52), H. Lemmey (31), L. Nelson (57)
R: A. Mirkov (45), L. Goonan (66), H. Ramshaw (51)
INT: L. Prout (74), W. White (77), O. Poole (75)*, J. Lefroy (79), D. Harvey (73)
EMG: K. Ferronato (63), B. Lambert (80), A. Stevens (64), H. Gill (62), C. Verrell (71), J. Gedi (68), F. Riley (56)
IN: L. Cowan, L. Goonan, D. Harvey, J. Lefroy, Z. Maher, T. Phillips
OUT: J. Carroll, O. Fantasia, C. Marchbank (AFL), D. Cuningham (calf), S. Durdin (concussion), H. O'Keeffe (hamstring)
NEW: Dane Harvey, 20, 195cm, Fitzroy/Northern Knights.
5 - Lachlan Cowan (CAR)
5 - Tom Downie (WIL)
4 - Will Fordham (WIL)
4 - Lachie Young (CAR)
1 - Jack Toner (WIL)
1 - Heath Ramshaw (CAR)
HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), L. Young (55)
C: A. Moir (43), J. Binns (25), Z. Maher (50)
HF: N. Cahill (54), R. Monahan (34), J. Motlop (3)
F: L. McMahon (52), H. Lemmey (31), C. Durdin (19)
R: A. Mirkov (45), L. Goonan (66), H. Ramshaw (51)
INT: L. Prout (74), W. White (77), L. Nelson (57), A. Stevens (64), D. Harvey (73)*
EMG: J. Lefroy (79), B. Lambert (80), F. Riley (56), H. Gill (62), T. Phillips (59), J. Gedi (68), K. Ferronato (63)
IN: C. Durdin, S. Durdin, J. Motlop, A. Stevens
OUT: L. Cowan (AFL), O. Poole (Bendigo Pioneers), J. Lefroy, T. Phillips (omitted).
After a slow start, the Carlton Reserves fell short against reigning premiers Gold Coast in Round 9 VFL action. With Jesse Motlop returning from injury, the Blues were unable to get going to start proceedings, ultimately falling short in the 7.10 (52) to 15.12 (102) defeat. Archie Stevens (23 disposals) and Jaxon Binns (25 disposals) led the disposal count throughout the game, while Will White performed strong in the forward half, kicking three goals for the Blues.
Quarter one
The Round 9 home game at IKON Park saw the Blues unable to stop Gold Coast’s momentum in the early going, whose confidence and determination saw them dominate proceedings to start. Despite strong defensive efforts from the returning Sam Durdin, co-captain Lachie Young and 50-gamer Ned Cahill, the experienced Suns were able to pile on seven unanswered goals, with the Blues unable to get on the board as the likes of Rory Atkins, Brayden Fiorini and Brandon Ellis got busy. At quarter time, the Blues trailed by 44 points.
Quarter two
Looking for a response, Heath Ramshaw had a strong start to the term at the centre bounce, hoping to change the outcome of the first quarter where the Suns dominated clearances. Lewis Young intercepted well down back while Luke Nelson forced a turnover, ending with a returning Motlop kicking the Blues’ first of the game. Will White followed that up with Carlton’s second in the space of three minutes, while Dom Akuei had some promising moments behind the ball as the Blues looked to work their way into the game. There were some more positive moments in attack for the Blues, who got themselves back within 24 at the siren sounded for half time.
Quarter three
After keeping the Suns goalless in the second term, the Blues looked to once again come out firing, with Lachie Young defending aggressively down back. The Suns responded from the second quarter, dictating the early part of the third term with four goals, but - following a 50-metre penalty - White was able to kick his third goal for the game. A young Blues outfit continued to fight, with Zavier Maher and Luca Goonan working hard around the ball, while Hayden Gill broke through in the closing stages of the quarter on the scoreboard as the Blues trailed by 38 points.
Quarter four
The Blues were improved in the contest and were able to gain possession, but couldn’t break through in the early going of the final term. Experienced key forwards for the Suns in Levi Casboult and Sam Day were providing headaches all day, but at the other end, Liam McMahon stood up, registering back-to-back goals in the opening 10 minutes of the term. Ramshaw’s determination at the contest didn’t waver, but the Blues were left to rue some missed opportunities going forward after three straight behinds, with the Suns kicking the final three goals of the game to record a 50-point win.
6 - Rory Atkins (GCS)
6 - Levi Casboult (GCS)
4 - Will Graham (GCS)
3 - Brandon Ellis (GCS)
1 - Ned Moyle (GCS)
HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), L. Young (55)
C: A. Moir (43), J. Binns (25), Z. Maher (50)
HF: C. Durdin (19), R. Monahan (34), J. Motlop (3)
F: L. McMahon (52), H. Lemmey (31), N. Cahill (54)
R: A. Mirkov (45), J. Carroll (16), H. Ramshaw (51)
INT: L. Prout (74), W. White (77), L. Nelson (57), A. Stevens (64), D. Harvey (73)*
EMG: J. Lefroy (79), B. Lambert (80), F. Riley (56), H. Gill (62), O. Poole (75), L. Goonan (66), K. Ferronato (63), M. Lewis (58)
IN: J. Carroll, C. Durdin, H. Lemmey, C. Marchbank
OUT: H. Gill, L. Goonan, J. Lefroy, M. Lewis
8 - Jean-Luc Velissaris (NB)
7 - John Jorgensen (NB)
3 - Jack Carroll (CAR)
2 - Will Elliott (NB)
1 - Liam Mackie (NB)
HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), L. Young (55)
C: A. Moir (43), J. Binns (25), Z. Maher (50)
HF: B. Lambert (80), R. Monahan (34), J. Motlop (3)
F: L. McMahon (52), H. Lemmey (31), N. Cahill (54)
R: A. Mirkov (45), C. Lord (36), H. Ramshaw (51)
INT: L. Prout (74), W. White (77), L. Nelson (57), K. Ferronato (63)*, M. Lewis (58)
EMG: A. Stevens (64), D. Hogg (70), H. Nosiara (69), H. Gill (62), O. Poole (75), L. Goonan (66), T. Phillips (59), B. Kuipers (60)
IN: D. Akuei, S. Durdin, K. Ferronato, C. Lord
OUT: J. Carroll, C. Durdin (AFL), D. Harvey, A. Stevens
NEW: Cooper Lord, 19, 184cm, North Melbourne VFL/Kew Comets/Sandringham Dragons.
After a back-and-forth game, the Carlton Reserves were left ruing another missed opportunity against Essendon in a Round 11 nailbiter. With Sam Durdin and Dom Akuei returning in the Blues backline, the Blues produced their best football of the season in the first half, but were unable to keep their lead in the 16.5 (101) to 16.8 (104) defeat. In his third game for the season, Jesse Motlop had his best game of 2024 (16 disposals, two goals) to be one of the Blues’ best. Kristian Ferronato (23 disposals) and Billy Wilson (21 disposals) topped the disposals chart, while Liam McMahon again was a focal point in attack with five goals.
Quarter one:
Essendon made a strong to the start of the quarter with a goal inside the opening minute through Dylan Shiel, before they added another for the first two of the game. Defensive marks from Dom Akuei and Sam Durdin relieved the pressure, starting a run for the Blues with Liam McMahon scoring their first. Continuing his good 2024 form, Will White was soon to hit the scoreboard, with the Blues showing their strength at the centre bounce to get the ball going their way. Soon, Carlton had complete control of the contest, with Bailey Lambert and Ned Cahill both kicking goals while Lewis Young stood up defensively. The Blues were able to maintain their pressure, with Harry Lemmey - who played permanently up forward – and Zavier Maher both kicking goals. White added another to make it seven in a row for the Blues, leading by 30 at quarter time.
Quarter two:
It was a consistent start to the quarter for the Blues, with Jesse Motlop drawing a free kick and kicking truly before McMahon added another. Captain Lachie Young was busy defensively as Essendon looked to find its way back into the game, before slick ball movement through the centre of the ground allowed McMahon to kick a third. It was a more back-and-forth contest in the second term, with the Bombers able to close the gap and put the Blues under more pressure. Carlton still had some great moments going forward, with Jaxon Binns pushing hard to an open goal. The ball spent more time in Essendon’s forward half, but a big contested win from the Blues late in the term saw Motlop kick his second just as the siren sounded for a 35-point lead.
Quarter three:
Back after half time, Essendon found their feet and started to lower Carlton’s lead. While the Blues’ determination was still high, they were unable to stop the Bombers’ run as the rain started to come down at Windy Hill. Three goals to Saad El-Hawli saw Essendon snatch the lead within 12 minutes of the third quarter, despite the best efforts of Caleb Marchbank and Logan Prout down back. Former Essendon player Ned Cahill stopped the run with the Blues’ first of the half, as they looked to work their way back into the contest and control the ball. Lemmey and McMahon responded when their team needed them with a pair of late goals, ensuring the Blues still had a lead of 12 points after the tide had turned.
Quarter four:
The slippery weather and high staked started to get to the teams in the last quarter, with the Blues starting to lose possession of their feet and of the ball. An intercepted mark from Caleb Marchbank and a great tackle from Luke Nelson brought confidence back to the Blues, allowing them to advance ball down the field for McMahon’s fifth to re-establish a 12-point lead. Playing on the wing, Ashton Moir worked hard defensively with six tackles, with the Bombers starting to press as they gained the momentum. Unfortunately for the Blues, consistent entries into the Bombers’ forward 50 saw the hosts break through, taking the lead at the 19-minute mark. The final 10 minutes was a dour struggle in a high-scoring game, with only one behind kicked in the final 10 minutes as the Blues fell just short.
8 - Liam McMahon (CAR)
5 - Sam Weideman (ESS)
3 - Xavier O'Neill (ESS)
2 - Nate Caddy (ESS)
1 - Nick Bryan (ESS)
1 - Will White (CAR)
BYE
HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), L. Young (55)
C: A. Moir (43), J. Binns (25), D. Cuningham (28)
HF: N. Cahill (54), R. Monahan (34), J. Motlop (3)
F: L. McMahon (52), H. Lemmey (31), A. Mirkov (45)
R: M. Pittonet (27), C. Lord (36), J. Carroll (16)
INT: L. Prout (74), W. White (77), D. Hogg (70)*, H. Ramshaw (51), Z. Maher (50)
EMG: A. Stevens (64), B. Lambert (80), J. Lefory (79), M. Lewis (58), K. Ferronato (63), L. Nelson (57)
IN: J. Carroll, D. Cuningham, D. Hogg, C. Lord, M. Pittonet
OUT: T. Phillips (thumb), K. Ferronato, B. Lambert, M. Lewis, L. Nelson
NEW: Cooper Lord, 19, 184cm, North Melbourne VFL/Old Scotch
Back at IKON Park this week after a bye last week, the Carlton Reserves came out with a strong determination to get a win against Southport. With multiple AFL-listed players back in the line-up this week, the Blues burst out of the blocks and produced a great first half, but couldn’t maintain their lead in another narrow defeat, falling 11.17 (83) to 10.11 (71). The returning Marc Pittonet (24 disposals, nine clearances, one goal) was excellent as was Caleb Marchbank (19 disposals, eight intercepts), while mid-season recruit Cooper Lord showed promising signs with 19 disposals.
Quarter one:
The Carlton Reserves were back this week after last week’s bye looking to redeem themselves after yet another close loss. Round 13 against the second-placed Southport took place at IKON Park, where the Blues had a good start to the game with high pressure in their defence. An intercepted mark from the Blues saw Jesse Motlop kick the Blues’ first, with youngster Billy Wilson brilliant in the build-up. There was back-and-forth possession from both teams meant the Blues had to be up for the fight early, but eventually broke through with goals to Harry Lemmey and Rob Monahan. The Blues set up strongly in the midfield in the first quarter, getting the game on their terms and stopping Southport in their tracks. Sam Durdin and Caleb Marchbank held up well defensively, with Motlop showing up again at the other end to kick his second of the day. The Blues’ pressure paid off once more with Ashton Moir kicking the team’s fifth, marking an end to a great quarter as they took a 22-point lead into quarter time.
Quarter two:
The Blues’ pressure and defence didn’t drop in the early stages of the second quarter, with a great smother by skipper Lachie Young typifying the team’s effort. Zavier Maher kept the Blues’ momentum going, getting the ball forward at all costs before kicking the first of the quarter. Jack Carroll was strong at the centre bounce, while a great tackle from Marchbank and intercept mark from Akuei in the backline helped put a surging Southport at bay. With the Sharks pushing, Marc Pittonet stood up, winning a free kick and converting from close range to give his team a handy buffer at the main break. Carroll had more disposals than any other Blue with 16, while Wilson played one of his best halves of the year with 14 disposals and five tackles. At half time, the Blues kept their lead at 18 points.
Quarter three:
On managed minutes in his first game back, David Cuningham was brought into the game at half time and immediately made an impact, getting two touches right away and launching the ball forward for Liam McMahon to kick his first. Unfortunately for the Blues, while Cuningham came into the game, the impressive Wilson didn’t return after half time due to a knee injury sustained in the second quarter. Marchbank continued to lead by example in defence with an intercept mark on the last line, but the game had shifted after the break, with Southport dominating territory. Lemmey and McMahon worked hard to provide a target, while Maher’s effort didn’t waver, however the gap continued to close as the quarter progressed. After the Blues kicked the opening goal 25 seconds into the quarter, it was all Sharks from there, kicking 4.5 to two behinds as they took a three-point lead, proving to be another close game for the Blues.
Quarter four:
The start to the last quarter saw the Blues take control of the ball, with big efforts from Jaxon Binns and Sam Durdin trying to get the game on their terms. The Blues continued fighting down back as the Sharks continued to press, and Carlton’s grit was rewarded with Cuningham kicking a goal to even the scores between the teams and give the Blues a spark. Trailing inside 50s by 17, Marchbank and Lewis Young were busy to stop Southport from scoring, as an answering goal from McMahon at the other end kept the Blues in it. However, Southport retaliation and fought back with another goal, securing second spot on the ladder and handing the Blues another narrow defeat in season 2024.
5 - Jesse Joyce (SOU)
4 - Ben Jepson (SOU)
4 - Zavier Maher (CAR)
4 - Marc Pittonet (CAR)
3 - Jacob Dawson (SOU)
2 - Jay Lockhart (SOU)
2 - Boyd Woodcock (SOU)
1 - Hugh Dixon (SOU)
HB: L. Prout (74), D. Akuei (41), L. Young (55)
C: N. Cahill (54), J. Binns (25), D. Cuningham (28)
HF: A. Moir (43), R. Monahan (34), J. Motlop (3)
F: C. Durdin (19), H. Lemmey (31), A. Mirkov (45)
R: M. Pittonet (27), C. Lord (36), J. Carroll (16)
INT: H. Ramshaw (51), Z. Maher (50), L. McMahon (52), W. White (77), D. Hogg (70)*
EMG: A. Stevens (64), H. Gill (62), L. Goonan (66), M. Lewis (58), K. Ferronato (63), L. Nelson (57), O. Badr (72), H. Nosiara (69)
IN: C. Durdin
OUT: B. Wilson (managed)
8 - Joel Garner (RIC)
6 - Campbell Gray (RIC)
3 - Steely Green (RIC)
2 - Tom Brindley (RIC)
1 - Matthew Coulthard (RIC)
HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), La. Young (55)
C: G. Hewett (29), J. Binns (25), D. Cuningham (28)
HF: A. Moir (43), R. Monahan (34), J. Motlop (3)
F: N. Cahill (54), H. Lemmey (31), A. Mirkov (45)
R: M. Pittonet (27), C. Lord (36), J. Carroll (16)
INT: W. Hayes (53), Z. Maher (50), L. McMahon (52), W. White (77), O. Badr (72)*
EMG: A. Stevens (64), H. Gill (62), L. Goonan (66), D. Hogg (70), K. Ferronato (63), L. Nelson (57), J. Lefroy (79), H. Nosiara (69)
IN: O. Badr, W. Hayes, G. Hewett, J. Motlop, B. Wilson
OUT: C. Durdin (shoulder), L. Prout (groin), H. Ramshaw (quad), K. Ferronato, D. Hogg
NEW: Oliver Badr, 19, 177cm, Old Scotch/Oakleigh Chargers
In their first interstate game of the season, the Carlton Reserves produced a much-deserved win, moving from the bottom of the VFL ladder and securing their second win of the season. Bringing back some crucial names to the line-up this week, familiar faces returned and performed brilliantly, ensuring the Blues were on the right end of a back-to-back contest with a 17.12 (114) victory over GWS’ 14.9 (93). Will Hayes had a great first game back, dominating disposals (38) across half-back, while AFL-listed midfielders Jack Carroll (32 disposals, one goal) and David Cuningham (29 disposals, eight tackles) were busy. Jesse Motlop topped the scoring tally with four goals (two in the last quarter), with Will White (three goals) not far behind.
Quarter one:
The Blues’ first interstate VFL game for the season was an arm wrestle to start off with at Blacktown International Sportspark. The game began with GWS taking control of possession, but Sam Durdin and David Cuningham both worked hard to get control back. There was good ball movement at times through the centre of the ground for the Blues, but found themselves unable to maintain possession for long periods against the Giants. Jack Carroll provided good pressure in the middle and got reward offensively, moving the ball out of traffic and finding Liam McMahon for Carlton’s first of the game. It was a high-pressure game in the middle of the ground, with Lewis Young busy down back as the Giants established a lead late in the term on the back of fast play. At the end of the first quarter, the Giants led by 12 points.
Quarter two:
Kicking with the breeze in the second term, the Blues came out firing, hungry to grab the lead an overturn the two-goal deficit. Billy Wilson and Jesse Motlop showed bright moments, while Will Hayes - playing his first VFL game in nearly two years - was excellent across half-back. The returning Blue found McMahon for his second goal, before Jack Carroll assisted Jesse Motlop to give Carlton the lead for the first time of the afternoon. After Will White kicked the Blues’ third in quick succession, they had opened up a handy lead, but a back-and-forth contest with fast play through the middle of the ground saw the Giants take back their scoreboard advantage. Marc Pittonet was crucial in the ruck while Caleb Marchbank and Dom Akuei held up well in defence, allowing the Blues to settle. A strong mark from Harry Lemmey saw the Blues close the gap on the scoreboard, with the young forward ensuring team repeated itself to kick another minutes later. When Jaxon Binns broke through the middle to find Jack Carroll, who weaved his way to goal, the Blues all of a sudden had a seven-point lead at the main break after a six-goal quarter.
Quarter three:
After a strong first half, the Blues came back with the same determination for the second half of the game. Ashton Moir recorded the Blues’ first goal of the half, and not long after, a good smother from Hayes and intercept from Billy Wilson demonstrated the Blues’ commitment. Debutant Ollie Badr - playing as 23rd man – had some bright moments, but the Giants had more time in possession and were able to put it on the scoreboard with the wind at their backs. Jack Carroll once again found Jesse Motlop for his second, while David Cuningham continued to be busy offensively and defensively. Despite the Giants having the better of the term, it didn’t stop the Blues from putting their best foot forward and looking to take the game to their opposition. Will Hayes was excellent, recording 26 disposals to three-quarter time, as the Blues’ run down the wing ended in a goal to Will White: his second of the day brought the team back within seven points at the final change.
Quarter four:
Carlton started off the final quarter with an eagerness to get themselves back in the game, with a smother from David Cuningham getting the ball back in possession. It ended with Jaxon Binns taking the set shot and scoring his first, before great play from Zavier Maher and Will White gave the Blues a lead after three goals inside the opening five minutes. Marc Pittonet took control at stoppages, pushing the ball forward to end with Jesse Motlop kicking his third. The Giants started to press again in a game of momentum swings, but Jaxon Binns worked hard defensively to take an intercept mark in the goal square. With the game on the edge and after two shots at goal, Ned Cahill topped it off on his third time of asking, giving the Blues a game-high lead. A strong mark from Marc Pittonet allowed Jesse Motlop the chance at his fourth, which he duly converted, and with the win in sight, the Blues continued to fight as Luke Nelson sealed the result. The sun shone at Blacktown at the end of the final quarter as the Blues grabbed their second win of the season, defeating the Giants by 21 points.
7 - Will Hayes (CAR)
6 - David Cuningham (CAR)
4 - Jesse Motlop (CAR)
2 - Jack Carroll (CAR)
2 - Nick Haynes (GWS)
HB: L. Prout (74), D. Akuei (41), R. Monahan (34)
C: G. Hewett (29), J. Binns (25), D. Cuningham (28)
HF: A. Moir (43), O. Fantasia (14), J. Motlop (3)
F: J. Martin (21), H. Lemmey (31), H. O'Keeffe (40)
R: A. Mirkov (45), C. Lord (36), J. Carroll (16)
INT: W. Hayes (59), N. Cahill (54), L. McMahon (52), W. White (77), O. Badr (72)*
EMG: A. Stevens (64), H. Gill (62), H. Ramshaw (51), Z. Maher (50), K. Ferronato (63), C. Verrell (71), L. Nelson (57), H. Nosiara (69)
IN: O. Fantasia, G. Hewett, J. Martin, H. O'Keeffe, L. Prout
OUT: C. Marchbank, M. Pittonet (AFL), B. Wilson (illness), Z. Maher, L. Nelson
6 - Caleb Daniel (FOO)
6 - Anthony Scott (FOO)
4 - Sam Durdin (CAR)
3 - George Hewett (CAR)
1 - Lewis Young (CAR)
HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), S. Durdin (38)
C: Z. Maher (50), J. Binns (25), N. Cahill (54)
HF: A. Moir (43), J. Martin (21), R. Monahan (34)
F: A. Mirkov (45), H. Lemmey (31), H. O'Keeffe (40)
R: M. Pittonet (27), C. Lord (36), H. Ramshaw (51)
INT: W. Hayes (59), L. Prout (74), L. Nelson (57), W. White (77), O. Badr (72)*
EMG: B. Lambert (80), H. Gill (62), J. Lefroy (79), L. Goonan (66), K. Ferronato (63), M. Lewis (58), A. Stevens (64)
IN: B. Kemp, Z. Maher, L. Nelson, M. Pittonet, H. Ramshaw, B. Wilson
OUT: J. Carroll, D. Cuningham, G. Hewett, J. Motlop (AFL), O. Fantasia (calf), L. McMahon (suspended).
The Carlton Reserves redeemed themselves against Collingwood, turning a one-point loss in Round 3 to a resounding 83-point triumph at IKON Park. After a tight first half, the Blues took home their third win of the season with an emphatic third quarter, prevailing 20.13 (133) to 7.8 (50). Jaxon Binns (47 disposals, three goals) dominated the possession count, while Cooper Lord (23 disposals, seven tackles, two goals) was strong once again. Playing his 50th game for the VFL Blues, Ned Cahill also produced three goals, as did Zavier Maher.
Quarter one:
It was a quick start from Collingwood, scoring the first goal of the game following a Carlton turnover, but the Blues showed a great appetite to fight back. Playing across half-back, Heath Ramshaw pushed forward to get the first goal for the Blues, while good work on the last line from Dom Akuei led to Alex Mirkov scoring the next. Against former Carlton Reserves captain Ben Crocker, Brodie Kemp started strongly, with an intercept mark ending in Luke Nelson kicking his first of the game. With quarter time approaching, good movement from the Blues saw Harry Lemmey convert the last goal of the quarter, with the Blues taking an 18-point lead into half time.
Quarter two:
At the start of the second quarter, Collingwood came out with determination to regain the lead after a great first quarter from the Blues. Despite conceding the first two goals of the quarter, the Blues were once again able to respond, with good work from Brodie Kemp and Lewis Young ensuring the Blues could get the ball going their way. A goal to Ashton Moir from the pocket extended the Blues’ lead, while Zavier Maher and Jaxon Binns soon followed with clever goals to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Marc Pittonet was putting his stamp on the game in the middle of the ground, while Rob Monahan had some strong moments in the contest, as the Blues maintained a 19-point lead at the main break.
Quarter three:
While the second quarter was a tale of two halves, the third term belonged to Carlton. The Blues came out firing in the third quarter at IKON Park, extending the gap on the scoreboard in quick fashion. The milestone man Ned Cahill kicked two goals in two minutes, followed by Cooper Lord snapping truly from the pocket not long after. Jaxon Binns won a one-on-one contest in the forward pocket before slotting his second, while first use of the middle ended in another through Hudson O'Keeffe. The Blues’ defence stood tall when called upon, while selfless play saw both Jaxon Binns and Cahill secure their third goals - all of Cahill’s came in the same quarter - as Carlton piled on 8.7 to just two behinds in a commanding display. Cahill’s goal on the three-quarter-time siren extended the Blues lead from 19 to 72 points at the final change.
Quarter four:
Starting the last quarter, the Blues continued to push Collingwood and keep busy in their forward 50. Good work from Ramshaw ended in Maher kicking his third, before Ashton Moir and Cooper Lord both became multiple goalkickers with their second goals. The Blues had kept complete possession of the ball in their forward 50, as Alex Mirkov topped it off with another goal to extend the lead to a game-high 91 points. Although Collingwood continued to fight, the damage was well and truly done as Carlton recorded its biggest win and score of the season - despite leading goalkicker Liam McMahon missing through suspension - in an 83-point victory.
BYE
HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), J. Lefroy (79)
C: Z. Maher (50), J. Binns (25), W. White (77)
HF: R. Monahan (34), L. Nelson (57), N. Cahill (54)
F: A. Moir (43), H. Lemmey (31), L. McMahon (52)
R: A. Mirkov (45), C. Lord (36), J. Carroll (16)
INT: H. Ramshaw (51), M. Lewis (58), A. Stevens (64), H. Nosiara (69)*, H. Gill (62)
EMG: B. Lambert (80), C. Verrell (71), P. Dozzi (53), D. Hogg (70), O. Badr (72).
IN: J. Carroll, J. Lefroy, H. Gill, C. Marchbank, L. McMahon, H. Nosiara, B. Wilson
OUT: B. Kemp, J. Martin, M. Pittonet (AFL), H. O'Keeffe (hamstring), W. Hayes, La. Young (unavailable), O. Badr.
HB: B. Wilson (35), H. Ramshaw (51), R. Monahan (34)
C: Z. Maher (50), J. Binns (25), W. White (77)
HF: C. Durdin (19), L. Nelson (57), N. Cahill (54)
F: A. Moir (43), H. Lemmey (31), L. McMahon (52)
R: A. Mirkov (45), C. Lord (36), J. Lefroy (79)
INT: T. Travaglia (75)*, P. Dozzi (53), A. Stevens (64), H. Nosiara (69), H. Gill (62)
EMG: B. Lambert (80), C. Verrell (71), K. Ferronato (63), D. Hogg (70), O. Badr (72), T. Sruk (61),
IN: P. Dozzi, C. Durdin, T. Travaglia
OUT: C. Marchbank (concussion), L. Prout (unavailable), J. Lefroy
NEW: Tobie Travaglia, 17, 187cm, Sandhurst/Bendigo Pioneers
What a turnaround. The Carlton Reserves prevailed against Geelong in Round 20, overturning a 101-point loss in Round 5 to a 23-point win at GMHBA Stadium. Down by eight points at three-quarter time, the Blues fought hard for a memorable comeback after trailing all day, ending in a 16.5 (101) victory over the Cats’ 11.12 (78). Liam McMahon - the team’s leading goalkicker - held onto that title by producing an incredible seven-goal performance, while Cooper Lord (30 disposals, eight tackles) and Zavier Maher (29 disposals, one goal) played vital roles throughout the game.
Quarter one:
The Blues had to rearrange some magnets in the lead-up to the game, with Jack Carroll and Lewis Young both coming out of the side as AFL emergencies with Jack Lefroy and captain Lachie Young replacing them. After last week’s loss against Brisbane, Carlton was quick to apply pressure coming out of the centre bounce, with Archie Stevens and the returning Corey Durdin in the thick of it. Great play down the wing saw Jack Lefroy kick Carlton’s first goal in response to Geelong’s opener, but it was the home side who took control of the game early. The Blues fought back with a goal from Jaxon Binns, and not long after they moved the ball down the field to secure another goal from Liam McMahon. A great smother from Michael Lewis stopped Geelong from extending its lead, as Carlton looked to keep its pressure game going. The Blues fought well, but the Cats fought to get the ball back and converted late, taking a 10-point lead into quarter time.
Quarter two:
After a close first quarter, the Blues gained possession of the ball and started to maintain control the game with a strong start out of centre bounce. A transition goal from Corey Durdin got the Blues off to a great beginning in the second term, with the team fierce in the contest to get the ball out of danger. In the absence of Lewis Young and Caleb Marchbank, Dom Akuei battled brilliantly as an undersized key defender, while an intercept mark from Heath Ramshaw provided great support. As Geelong looked to put its stamp on the game, an incredible rundown tackle from Corey Durdin shifted the momentum, with the Blues progressing the ball down the ground for Ned Cahill to kick his first. Hayden Gill also got on the scoresheet, but the Blues had to fight, with the Cats - looking to lock in a top-four berth – once again taking control. Will White produced a good smother while McMahon swung down back to provide some extra support, as the Blues went into half time trailing by 19 points.
Quarter three:
Continuing his highly impressive start to life at Carlton, Cooper Lord kicked the quarter off with a strong contest, getting the ball into the Blues’ forward 50 for McMahon’s second of the day. The Blues continued their pressure and determination to close the gap, with McMahon the danger man, kicking another two in two minutes to bring the Blues back within single digits. In one of his best games so far, Ashton Moir was working overtime in offence and defence, while more great defending - this time from Cahill – seeing Lefroy get his second of the day. The game turned in the third quarter, with the Blues recording four goals to two, as their defence held up brilliantly to regularly stop Geelong’s forward entries. Dom Akuei took a crucial intercept mark on the last line, while the Blues started to get on top in clearances, led by Alex Mirkov. At three-quarter time, Geelong’s lead had been trimmed to eight points.
Quarter four:
The Blues came out firing at the start of the last quarter, creating space and winning the ball regularly out of the contest. Lord, Zavier Maher and Alex Mirkov (21 clearances between them) were driving the Blues out of the middle, and McMahon was continuing to cause headaches for the Geelong defence with his fifth. Playing his first game for the year, Patrick Dozzi was busy and fought all day to get the ball back in the Blues’ possession, while a crucial defensive win for Rob Monahan - who started across half-back for the second straight week – was a pivotal moment. After Luke Nelson snapped truly after the Blues forced a turnover, they were back within a kick, before McMahon once again stepped up. The forward kicked goal six and then goal seven in quick succession - a career-high – before drawing another free kick, as Maher took the advantage to produce another. When Lefroy kicked his third, the Blues had five goals in 10 minutes, and all of a sudden had a 23-point lead, shocking the highly fancied Cats for the team’s fourth win of the season – and third in five matches.
HB: B. Wilson (35), H. Ramshaw (51), R. Monahan (34)
C: A. Stevens (64), K. Ferronato (63), D. Hogg (70)
HF: J. Lefroy (79), L. Nelson (57), W. White (77)
F: N. Cahill (54), H. Lemmey (31), L. McMahon (52)
R: A. Mirkov (45), P. Dozzi (53), Z. Maher (50)
INT: T. Travaglia (75)8, M. Rudd (73), C. Verrell (71), H. Nosiara (69), H. Gill (62)
EMG: O. Badr (72), W. Hayes (59), B. Lambert (80), N. Barnes (75), L. Swaney (76), T. Sruk (61), O. Poole (70)
IN: K. Ferronato, D. Hogg, M. Rudd, C. Verrell
OUT: J. Binns, C. Durdin, C. Lord, A. Moir (AFL)
NEW: Michael Rudd, 19, 193cm, St Mary’s; Callum Verrell, 20, 188cm, Rowville.
Maurice Rioli (17 disposals, eight tackles, seven inside-50s) may not have had huge numbers, but he was the difference when Richmond needed a hero. Rioli camee back on after having an ankle injury restrapped in the last quarter to have eight match-winning touches in the final 15 minutes, which included setting up Davidson’s match sealer and another shot the young goalkicker missed and laying a handful of brutal tackles. Thomson Dow (29 disposals, eight clearances) stepped up after McAuliffe went off, as did Tyler Sonsie (27 disposals) and Lachlan Wilson (18 disposals, two goals). Chad Harris (27 disposals, nine marks, 10 rebounds) was terrific off half-back, Davidson (20 disposals, six marks, two goals) ever dangerous in attack and Mutaz El Nour (19 disposals, 10 marks) blanketed Liam McMahon after he kicked two early goals. Late inclusion Will Hayes, however, was clearly best afield for Carlton, piling up 41 disposals, nine marks, 12 tackles, eight inside-50s and two goals in another stunning display that means he finishes his four-game cameo with averages of 35.8 disposals, 6.5 marks and 7.8 tackles. Draft contender Tobie Travaglia was a standout in defence with 22 possessions, Heath Ramshaw (24 disposals, eight marks) provided some exciting moments, Zavier Maher (25 disposals, one goal) was in fine fettle and Alex Mirkov (17 disposals, 25 hitouts, one goal) was the best big man on the ground.
1st Wildcard Match - Frankston 16.7.103 d Gold Coast Suns 14.16.100
2nd Wildcard Match - Williamstown 18.12.120 d Richmond 7.12.54
2nd Qualifying Final - Footscray Bulldogs 12.10.82 d Brisbane Lions 12.6.78
1st Elimination Final - Southport 30.15.195 d Frankston 16.7.103
2nd Elimination Final - Williamstown 11.14.80 d Box Hill Hawks 7.10.52
2nd Semi Final - Brisbane 19.16.130 d Williamstown 18.5.113
2nd Preliminary Final - Southport 9.7.61 d Footscray 7.9.51
Coach: Luke Power
Captains: Lachie Swaney and Lachie Young
Best & Fairest: Liam McMahon
Position: 19th
Premier: Werribee
Carlton's 2024 Reserves Team Squad.
VFL Listed Players: 31 (14 primary, 15 development, 2 rookie)
STAYING: VFL: Noah Barnes, Jed Brereton, Ned Cahill, Patrick Dozzi, Hayden Gill, Darcy Hogg, Blake Kuipers, Jack Lefroy, Michael Lewis, Zavier Maher, Jack Maruff, Liam McMahon, Aiden “AJ” Mills, Hugo Nosiara, Logan Prout, Heath Ramshaw, Archie Stevens, Lachie Swaney, Will White.
ARRIVING: Ollie Badr (Camberwell/Oakleigh Chargers), Kristian Ferronato (Eltham/Northern Knights), Jess Gedi (Heidelberg), Luca Goonan (Casey Demons), Bailey Lambert (Frankston), Luke Nelson (Coburg), Tom Phillips (Essendon VFL), Flynn Riley (Montmorency/Northern Knights), Michael Rudd (St Mary’s/Geelong Falcons), Tyson Sruk (Lysterfield/Eastern Ranges), Callum Verrall (Rowville), Lachie Young (North Melbourne AFL).
DEPARTING: Ethan Bentley (delisted), Charlie Brauer (delisted), Nate Caddy (Essendon AFL), Ben Crocker (Collingwood VFL), Sam Grant (Coburg), Tyreece Leiu (South Belgrave), Mitch Moschetti (Port Melbourne), Ben Moyle (delisted), Luke Parks (Williamstown), Eli Pearce (delisted), Darcy Porter (Glenelg), Harley Reid (West Coast AFL), Ben Ronke (retired - Aberfeldie), Nathan Scollo (delisted), Hamish Sinnott (Geelong VFL).
Carlton's 2024 Reserves Team Squad
50 - Zavier Maher
51 - Heath Ramshaw
52 - Liam McMahon
53 - Patrick Dozzi
54 - Ned Cahill
55 - Lachie Young (co-captain)
56 - Flynn Riley
57 - Luke Nelson
58 - Michael Lewis
59 - Tom Phillips
60 - Blake Kuipers
61 - Tyson Sruk
62 - Hayden Gill
63 - Kristian Ferronato
64 - Archie Stevens
65 - Jed Brereton
66 - Luca Goonan
67 - Aiden Mills
68 - Jess Gedi
69 - Hugo Nosiara
70 - Darcy Hogg
71 - Callum Verrell
72 - Ollie Badr
73 - Michael Rudd
74 - Logan Prout
75 - Noah Barnes
76 - Lachlan Swaney (co-captain)
77 - Will White
78 - Jack Maruff
79 - Jack Lefroy
80 - Bailey Lambert
STAR PERFORMERS
Best and Fairest: 1st: Liam McMahon (105 votes), 2nd: Jaxon Binns (95 votes), 3rd: Will White (87 votes), 4th Logan Prout (80 votes), 5th Lachlan Young (79 votes).J.J. Liston Trophy Votes: TBD
Coaches MVP Votes: TBD
Best Young Player: Will White
Best Clubman: Lachlan Swaney
Coaches Award: Luke Nelson
Players Award: Liam McMahon
Round 1, 2024.
BYE
Round 2, 2024.
| CARLTON | 2.3.15 | 3.5.23 | 7.9.51 | 10.14 (74) |
| NORTH MELBOURNE | 2.5.17 | 6.5.41 | 8.9.57 | 13.12 (90) |
| Venue: | Arden Street, North Melbourne. | |||
| Date: | Friday March 29th, 2024 (12.30 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 16 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Jack Lefroy 3.0, Marc Pittonet 1.1, Brodie Kemp 1.1, Luke Nelson 1.1, Ashton Moir 1.0, Rob Monahan 1.0, Zavier Maher 1.0, Will White 1.0, Hudson O'Keeffe 0.2, Michael Lewis 0.2, Heath Ramshaw 0.1, Jaxon Binns 0.1, Rushed 0.5. | |||
| Best: | M. Pittonet, A. Cincotta, B. Kemp, J. Lefroy, L. Nelson, T. Phillips | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: Le. Young (33), D. Akuei (41), B. Kemp (17)HB: La. Young (55), L. Cowan (2), A. Cincotta (39)
C: J. Binns (25), B. Wilson (35), T. Phillips (59)
HF: Z. Maher (50), R. Monahan (34), A. Moir (43)
F: L. Nelson (57), H. Lemmey (31), H. O'Keeffe (40)
R: M. Pittonet (27), H. Ramshaw (51), A. Mills (67)
INT: H. Gill (62), W. White (77)*, J. Lefroy (79), A. Stevens (64), M. Lewis (58)
EMG: B. Lambert (80), K. Ferronato (63), B. Kuipers (60), D. Hogg (75), L. Prout (74)
NEW: Ashton Moir, 18, Plympton/Glenelg; Rob Monahan, 19, County Kerry (Ireland); Luke Nelson, 26, Coburg; Tom Phillips, 27, Essendon VFL; Billy Wilson, 18, Dromana/Dandenong Stingrays; Lachie Young, 22, North Melbourne AFL
Match Review
After losing the number one ruck mantle to Tom De Koning, Marc Pittonet staked his claim for a recall with a powerful 25-disposal, 11-clearance and one-goal game in Carlton's loss to North Melbourne on Friday. Plenty of other Blues also performed as they try to find a way back into the strong senior lineup. Brodie Kemp kicked a goal to go with his 19 disposals and eight marks, Alex Cincotta had 22 touches and six clearances, while the yet-to-debut Jaxon Binns continued his habit of racking up possessions with 22. Lachlan Cowan had the ball 23 times, key defender Lewis Young finished with 16 disposals, and draftee Billy Wilson found the ball 18 times. Other Blues in action included Harry Lemmey (11 disposals, six marks), Ashton Moir (12 disposals, one goal), Hudson O'Keeffe (seven disposals, nine hitouts), Rob Monahan (one goal) and Dom Akuei (seven disposals).Pittonet, Cincotta impress in narrow loss
A summary of the Carlton Reserves' opening match of the 2024 season. - By Cristian Filippo, Carlton Media.A spirited second-half comeback fell short for the Carlton Reserves, who succumbed by 16 points in their opening clash of the VFL season against North Melbourne. After being held at an arm’s length by the Roos throughout the first half, the Blues stormed out of the blocks after the main break, even hitting the front in the last quarter. However, a late flurry by the home side ensured it wasn’t to be, with North Melbourne coming away with a 13.12 (90) to 10.14 (74) victory. On a day where the Blues had seven Club debutants, there were positive signs by all three of the Blues’ new AFL recruits in Ashton Moir, Rob Monahan and Billy Wilson. With so many new faces, the Blues took a while to get going, unable to generate any meaningful ball movement from the back half despite faring strongly in the contested possession stakes. North Melbourne dominated the Sherrin from an uncontested point of view, ending the day with +36 marks despite Carlton's clearance dominance. Carlton could only muster three goals in the first half, with Marc Pittonet producing one of those in the first quarter. Amongst a young side, the ruckman provided excellent leadership over all four quarters in a best-on-ground performance for the Blues, on a day where he contributed 25 disposals, 19 hitouts and 12 clearances in addition to that first-quarter major. One player who also stood up for the Blues was Alex Cincotta, who was thrust into the midfield to provide a stronger body around the ball. Looking to provide his trademark run and carry all day, Alex Cincotta ended with 25 disposals and six clearances to go with five tackles. The Blues needed a response in the second half, and someone who kickstarted that was Brodie Kemp (19 disposals, eight marks). Playing down back for the first half, Brodie Kemp was swung into attack to provide an aerial threat at the beginning of the third quarter. It yielded almost immediate results, with Brodie Kemp taking a strong contested mark before snapping a goal a few minutes later to give the Blues some energy and a way back into the game. After North Melbourne looked to settle to respond to Carlton’s early flurry, the Blues’ debutants all stood up in a matter of minutes. VFL first-gamer Will White got on the end of his first major, and when Ashton Moir and Rob Monahan both showed their quality in front of goal in quick succession, Carlton was suddenly within a kick at the final break. The Blues’ momentum continued in the final term, with Zavier Maher - playing his first game in a year, after an ACL injury in Round 1 last season - putting the Blues in front with a running goal from 50. And when Lefroy kicked his third, the Blues suddenly had a handy seven-point buffer. But a late charge from North Melbourne saw the home side kick the last four of the game, with Carlton chasing the result in the final minutes. From a VFL perspective, Lefroy was a clear standout, while Luke Nelson (18 disposals, one goal) and Tom Phillips (19 disposals) - who both arrived from other VFL clubs in the off-season - performed strongly in their first appearances for Carlton. The Blues have another bye in the VFL next weekend, with their next game coming at IKON Park in a fortnight against Collingwood.
Smithy's VFL Match Review
North Melbourne’s height proved the difference as the Kangaroos bounded home to outlast Carlton by 16 points in their Good Friday clash at Arden Street Oval. Despite a solo act in the tall department from Blue big man Marc Pittonet, the Kangaroos had too much aerial strength, pulling in 120 marks to 84, headed in large part by rookie draftee Finbar Maley who clunked 13 of them on his way to 21 disposals and two goals. Charlie Comben also grabbed 13 as he picked up 22 possessions in defence. Connor Downie (29 disposals, six marks) and Tyler Sellers (three goals) were also too strong in the air, eventually breaking down a Blues outfit that looked on track to win early in the last quarter. Jack Lefroy’s third goal gave Carlton a seven-point lead 12 minutes into the last quarter after it had trailed by 18 in the third. However,the Roos showed they also have strength in their smalls when Robert Hansen, Sam Lowson and Hansen again all kicked goals in a space of four minutes entering time-on before Maley locked up the points in the dying minutes. For Carlton, Pittonet kept the pressure on AFL selectors with 25 disposals, five marks, 12 clearances, 19 hitouts and a goal and young star Jaxon Binns kept banging on the door with 25 disposals and seven marks. Alex Cincotta and Lachie Cowan also shone while Lachie Young and Brodie Kemp were strong in defence to keep their team in the game.Coaches MVP Award
10 - Finnbar Maley (NM)8 - Marc Pittonet (CAR)
6 - Charlie Comben (NM)
3 - Alex Cincotta (CAR)
2 - Blake Drury (NM)
1 - Connor Downie (NM)
Video
Round 3, 2024.
| CARLTON | 2.4.16 | 5.6.36 | 9.9.63 | 12.10 (82) |
| COLLINGWOOD | 3.3.21 | 4.7.31 | 9.8.62 | 12.11 (83) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Sunday April 14th, 2024 (2.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 1 point. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Liam McMahon 3.1, Bailey Lambert 3.0, Ned Cahill 2.2, Will White 2.1, Luke Nelson 1.2, Jaxon Binns 1.0, Ashton Moir 0.1, Kristian Ferronato 0.1, Rushed 0.2. | |||
| Best: | L. Cowan, H. O’Keeffe, Le.Young, M. Lewis, B. Lambert, La.Young. | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: L. Cowan (2), Le. Young (33), L. McMahon (52)HB: La. Young (55), D. Akuei (41), M. Lewis (58)
C: J. Binns (25), B. Wilson (35), T. Phillips (59)
HF: Z. Maher (50), A. Moir (43), R. Monahan (34),
F: N. Cahill (52), H. Lemmey (31), W. White (77)
R: H. O'Keeffe (40), H. Ramshaw (51), A. Stevens (64),
INT: K. Ferronato (63), B. Kuipers (60), B. Lambert (80), J. Lefroy (79), L. Nelson (57).
EMG: L. Prout (74), D. Hogg (70), F. Riley (56), L. Swaney (76), J. Gedi (68)
IN: N. Cahill, K. Ferronato, B. Kuipers, B. Lambert, L. McMahon
OUT: B. Kemp, M. Pittonet (AFL), A. Cincotta (managed), H. Gill (concusion), A. Mills (knee)
NEW: Bailey Lambert, 24, 185cm, Frankston; Kristian Ferronato, 19, 184cm, Greensborough/Northern Knights
Match Review
One-point loss for Carlton Reserves
A summary of all the action from Round 3 VFL action. - By Hannah Tomasoni.The Carlton Reserves were on the receiving end of a one-point defeat to Collingwood. In a game similar to Carlton’s AFL clash with Adelaide, neither side had breathing room in a tightly contested game which saw the Pies prevail 12.11 (83) to 12.10 (82). Second-year Blues Lachlan Cowan (22 disposals) and Hudson O'Keeffe (33 hitouts, 10 clearances) were both influential, while VFL-listed debutants Bailey Lambert (three goals) and Kristian Ferronato (16 disposals) impressed in their first games for the Blues.
Quarter one
As Carlton embarked on its second game back for the season after two byes inside three weeks, the Blues came through with a good start to the quarter. Back-and-forth football at Ikon Park saw Collingwood take early possession of the ball for most of the first quarter, as Lachlan Cowan and Lewis Young showed great defensive prowess throughout the quarter to draw the ball and stop the Pies in their forward half. In his first game for the season, Liam McMahon registered the first goal for the Blues in the first 10 minutes of the quarter. Collingwood continued to bring the pressure throughout, before in the second half of the quarter, second-gamer Will White drew not only a free kick but also a 50-metre penalty to close the gap back to a point. However, the Pies quickly scurried back with a goal, seeing the Blues down by five points at quarter time.
Quarter two
The up-and-down nature of the game continued in the second term, with both teams trading goals and lead changes in an arm wrestle at IKON Park. Only one goal was kicked in the last 20 minutes of the quarter, as White kicked Carlton’s second consecutive goal to see the Blues lead by five as the first half drew to a close. Hudson O'Keeffe provided plenty of grunt work as the main ruckman while Jaxon Binns was busy on the wing, leading disposals with 14 for the first half while also converting a second-quarter goal. Carlton were down a man when Billy Wilson came from the ground and didn’t return following a head knock.
Quarter three
Although the Blues got their hands on the ball from the centre bounce, a slow start to the third quarte saw the Pies gain possession and level up the scores. An intercept mark from Lewis Young saw the Blues win the ball back and set up a chain through the middle of the field, leading to the first goal of the quarter through Carlton Reserves debutant Bailey Lambert. The Blues’ backline took another hit when Dom Akuei (concussion) played no further part. Lachlan Cowan continued his busy performance in defence, while Heath Ramshaw and Lachie Young produced intercept marks to halt the Pies. Young’s mark allowed Liam McMahon a chance for his third of the game, before Ned Cahill came out strong, scoring the next two goals for the Blues to see his side lead by one point at the final change.
Quarter four
The final quarter of the game saw continuous back-to-back contests between the Pies and the Blues. However, strong passages of play for the Pies ended in the first three goals of the quarter, with the Blues all of a sudden trailing by 16 points after 12 minutes. In need of a spark, the next few minutes saw Lambert shine, recording back-to-back goals to bring the Blues back in it. Not long after, a goal from Luke Nelson saw the Blues back in front by the narrowest of margins. The Pies dominated territory (59-44 inside 50s), locking the ball in their forward half as they looked to snatch back the lead, doing so with consecutive behinds. Heath Ramshaw and Archie Stevens continued to fight to try and win the ball back from repeat stoppages in the final minutes, but as the siren sounded at the end of the game, the Pies came away winning by one point.
Smithy's VFL Match Review
Collingwood overcame a late scare to grab a one-point over Carlton in one of the early games of the Smithy’s VFL season at IKON Park on Sunday. The momentum swings were remarkable as the arch-rivals traded blows all day in a classic contest where the biggest margin all day was just 16 points, with Carlton leading by a point at three quarter-time. The Magpies needed a hero in their 300th match in the VFL era and they found one in Josh Carmichael, who booted two quick goals split by one to John Hutchinson to take a game-high 16-point lead midway through the term. But this was Carlton v Collingwood and another twist was inevitable, with club debutant Bailey Lambert kicking two goals and fellow recruit Luke Nelson another to put the Blues back in front entering time-on. Nelson’s major proved to be last of the game, but it was Collingwood who pressed hard, and missed opportunities from Aiden Begg and Ned Long were enough to see the visitors pinch the points in a desperate finish. Midfielders Fin Macrae and Long were critical for the Magpies, the former winning 31 disposals and six clearances while laying 11 tackles and the latter booting 1.3 from 28 touches and 10 marks. Sam Glover (23 disposals, 10 marks, seven rebounds) was terrific in defence for Collingwood, while Ed Allan and Jack Bytel were also important. Former Magpie Tom Phillips impressed for Carlton with 26 possessions, six marks and five entries, with support coming from Jaxon Binns, Lachie Cowan and Lachie Young.Coaches MVP Award
8 - Ned Long (COL)5 - Hudson O'Keeffe (CAR)
5 - Lewis Young (CAR)
4 - Finlay Macrae (COL)
3 - Tew Jiath (COL)
2 - Jaxon Binns (CAR)
2 - Lachlan Cowan (CAR)
1 - Oleg Markov (COL)
Video
Round 4, 2024.
| CARLTON | 7.0.42 | 10.8.68 | 11.9.75 | 16.15 (111) |
| PORT MELBOURNE | 4.3.27 | 8.4.52 | 13.4.82 | 14.7 (91) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Sunday April 21st, 2024 (2.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Won by 20 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | W. White 3.2, Ashton Moir 3.1, Ned Cahill 2.4, Luke Nelson 2.1, Liam McMahon 2.0, Blake Kuipers 1.2, Alex Cincotta 1.0, Heath Ramshaw 1.0, Jack Lefroy 1.0, Archie Stevens 0.1, Rob Monahan 0.1, Jaxon Binns 0.1, Rushed 0.2. | |||
| Best: | M. Lewis, Z. Maher, W. White, L. Nelson, A. Cincotta, A. Moir | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: L. Prout (74), H. Lemmey (31), A. Cincotta (39)HB: A. Mills (67), La. Young (55), M. Lewis (58)
C: J. Binns (25), Z. Maher (50), T. Phillips (59)
HF: A. Moir (43), L. McMahon (52), R. Monahan (34),
F: N. Cahill (52), H. O'Keeffe (40), W. White (77)
R: A. Mirkov (45), H. Ramshaw (51), A. Stevens (64),
INT: K. Ferronato (63), B. Kuipers (60), J. Gedi (68), J. Lefroy (79), L. Nelson (57).
EMG: T. Sruk (61), C. Verrell (71), D. Hogg (70), F. Riley (56), L. Swaney (76), J. Gedi (68), H. Gill (62)
IN: A. Cincotta, A. Mills, A. Mirkov, L. Prout
OUT: L. Cowan, Le. Young (AFL), D. Akuei, B. Wilson (concussion)
Match Review
Blues rise late for breakthrough win
The Carlton Reserves produced a 20-point win to open their account for the 2024 campaign. - By Hannah Tomasoni.The Carlton Reserves have recorded their first win of the season a 20-point victory over Port Melbourne. After a one-point loss last week, the stakes were high in an action-packed contest, with Carlton prevailing 16.15 (111) against Port Melbourne 14.7 (91). Zavier Maher (30 disposals, four clearances) was the beneficiary of good work from Alex Mirkov (26 hitouts) and Hudson O'Keeffe (22 hitouts, five tackles), while VFL-listed debutant Jess Gedi (16 disposals) showed his strengths. In front of goal, Ashton Moir and Will White recorded three goals each.
Quarter one
Taking on Port Melbourne for the third game of the season, the Blues were in need of a fast start. That’s exactly what they got through Ashton Moir, who recorded back-to-back goals within the first five minutes of the game. A slower start for Port Melbourne allowed the Blues to bring great pressure to keep the ball within their half. Liam McMahon kicked his first goal for the game with another involvement from Ashton Moir, with the team’s selflessness on display early as Ned Cahill also hit the scoreboard. The contest for the ball didn’t stop after Port Melbourne opened its account, as a goal from Will White started the Blues up again, with Jack Lefroy and Blake Kuipers bringing Carlton’s goal tally to seven for the game. Tom Phillips led the quarter with eight disposals, as the Blues ended the term with a 15-point lead against the Borough.
Quarter two:
The second quarter started with strong defensive play from captain Lachie Young as well as debutant Jess Gedi, who showed great pressure in the backline. There was great movement of the ball through the centre of the ground, opening the door for Cahill to kick his second of the game. Port Melbourne continued to fight its way back into the contest, but the Blues hurried back to keep their lead with a long-range goal from Heath Ramshaw. Strong work in the contest from both Ramshaw and Zavier Maher saw them lead the disposal count at half time, as the Blues did their best to thwart the Borough from entering inside 50 in a high-scoring game. A goal from Alex Cincotta ended the quarter just how the Blues were hoping, opening up a 16-point lead.
Quarter three:
It was a slow start to the quarter for the Blues, as Port Melbourne took control of the ball and start to close the gap on the scoreboard with the first two goals of the quarter. Carlton looked to respond as good transition from the backline to the forward 50 led to Luke Nelson converting his first of the day. But from there, the rest of the quarter saw Port Melbourne get speed in their ball movement and get reward on the scoreboard. There were some strong defensive efforts from Logan Prout and Ramshaw, but the Blues find themselves behind for the first time as Port Melbourne took the lead by seven points.
Quarter four:
Starting the final quarter of the game, Port Melbourne continued to look to take control of the ball, but the Blues’ defensive intent was clear with a good tackle from Hudson O'Keeffe inside the opening minute. After a stalemate for the opening 10 minute, Will White brought the Blues back into the game with the first goal of the quarter following multiple behinds from both teams. Great ball movement - started by Jaxon Binns - led to a goal from Liam McMahon in direct response to a Port goal, as the Blues started to get their hands on the ball through the centre of the ground. Michael Lewis had some crucial defensive moments against the dangerous Billy Gowers, with White soon after kicking his third of the game. The Blues’ confidence was rising as they hit the lead once more, with Ashton Moir kicking the next goal of the game to open up a handy buffer. The Blues’ hard work and strong finish to the game paid off with Nelson adding another goal, extending the margin to 20 points come the final siren.
Smithy's VFL Match Review
Alex Cincotta was one of Carlton's best as the Blues recorded a came-from-behind win over Port Melbourne on Sunday. Cincotta, pushing for a recall to a senior side that has been hit hard by injury, finished the day with 20 disposals and a goal to go with six tackles in the 20-point win at Ikon Park. Draftee Ashton Moir also impressed with an equal game high of three goals from 13 disposals to go with seven tackles. Jaxon Binns put his hand up with a senior debut with 23 disposals and six clearances as the Blues surged late with a five goals to one final term. Ruck duo Alex Mirkov and Hudson O'Keeffe had 48 hit outs between them.Coaches MVP Award
10 - Zavier Maher (CAR)7 - Jimmy Miller (PM)
4 - Michael Lewis (CAR)
4 - Will White (CAR)
2 - Ned Cahill (CAR)
2 - Luke Nelson (CAR)
1 - Jaxon Binns (CAR)
Video
Round 5, 2024.
| CARLTON | 1.0.6 | 2.3.15 | 6.4.40 | 8.7 (55) |
| GEELONG | 4.6.30 | 10.10.70 | 19.11.125 | 23.18 (156) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Saturday April 27th, 2024 (12.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 101 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Will White 2.0, Liam McMahon 2.0, Luke Nelson 1.1, Ned Cahill 1.1, Ashton Moir 1.0, Bailey Lambert 1.0, Zavier Maher 0.1, Kristian Ferronato 0.1, Rushed 0.3. | |||
| Best: | Lachie Young, Liam McMahon, L. Prout, Luke Nelson, Will White, Billy Wilson. | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: M. Lewis (58), D. Akuei (41), L. Prout (74)HB: B. Wilson (35), H. Lemmey (31), La. Young (55)
C: B. Lambert (80), K. Ferronato (63), T. Phillips (59)
HF: A. Moir (43) , L. McMahon (52), R. Monahan (34),
F: N. Cahill (52), A. Mirkov (45), L. Nelson (57),
R: H. O'Keeffe (40), H. Ramshaw (51), Z. Maher (50)
INT: J. Gedi (68), D. Hogg (70), B. Kuipers (60), A. Stevens (64), W. White (77)
EMG: H. Gill (62), C. Verrell (71), T. Sruk (61), F. Riley (56), J. Brereton (65)
IN: D. Akuei, B. Wilson
OUT: J. Lefroy (illness), A. Mills (ankle)
Note: J. Binns, S. Durdin and Lewis Young were all late withdrawals and didn't play, Binns was promoted for his senior debut.
Match Review
Blues' big defeat to Cats
A summary of VFL Round 5 action. - By Hannah Tomasoni.Carlton fell by 101 points in a defeat to Geelong in Round 7 VFL action. Coming off a great win last week, a Blues side which made four forced changes - losing Jaxon Binns, Alex Cincotta and Sam Durdin on the morning of the game - were no match for an experienced Cats line-up, falling 8.7 (55) to 23.18 (156). Lachie Young (25 disposals) and Zavier Maher (22 disposals) topped the disposals while Archie Stevens (five clearances, seven tackles) didn’t stop fighting all day, with Will White and Liam McMahon kicking two goals each.
Quarter one:
Carlton’s first Saturday game of the season up against Geelong at IKON Park was played under blue skies, as an intercept mark from captain Lachie Young looked to bring the Blues into the game against a determined Cats outfit. It was clear the Blues would have to fight all day to gain possession, often deep in the Cats’ attacking 50. The Blues’ first goal of the day came from Liam McMahon, on the back of slick ball movement down the ground, putting the Blues on the board. Carlton was able to make it a fight in the middle of the ground, winning centre clearances, but Geelong’s power around the ground was too much to handle. Lachie Young, Billy Wilson and Archie Stevens led the disposals for the quarter, with the Blues trailing by 24 at the first change.
Quarter two:
The Cats brought their all to the start of the second quarter, kicking two goals within the first five minutes. The Blues’ pressure was there, with the likes of Ned Cahill, Kristian Ferronato, Ashton Moir and Will White all giving their all, while Blake Kuipers stood out with a spectacular mark on centre wing. Lachie Young continued to be busy with 15 disposals in the opening half, looking to generate some positive momentum for the Blues, while White hit the scoreboard for the fourth consecutive game. However, six goals to the Cats for the term saw their lead extended to 55 points at the main break.
Quarter three:
Despite an early goal for Ashton Moir from a free kick, there was little respite for the Blues to start the third term. Six consecutive goals to the Cats - and nine for the quarter - continued to extend the away side’s lead, despite the Blues’ best efforts. McMahon kicked his second of the day following a strong mark, while persistence paid off for Luke Nelson to also hit the scoreboard. In a game where the Blues had no AFL-listed players with senior experience, there were learnings all over the ground, with youngster Harry Lemmey taking an intercept mark which set up Bailey Lambert’s first for the day. Geelong’s firepower - led by Gary Rohan (four goals) - was too much to handle, with the Blues trailing by 85 points at the final change.
Quarter four:
With the sting out of the game, the Blues looked to maintain control over the ball in the early going of the final term. Intercept marks from Billy Wilson (22 disposals) and Hudson O'Keeffe looked to set the Blues up offensively, while White kicked his second for the day. Good play from Luke Nelson set up an open goal for Ned Cahill, but the Cats’ attacking firepower couldn’t be stopped, with the Blues falling by 101 points at IKON Park.
Smithy's VFL Match Review
It wasn't a great day for Carlton's VFL side as it went down by 101 points to Geelong, with only a handful of senior Blues in action. Last year's second round draft selection Billy Wilson was the busiest senior-listed player, finishing with 22 disposals. Category B rookie Dom Akuei found the ball 15 times, while Ashton Moir kicked one goal from 11 touches. Teenage ruckman Hudson O'Keeffe had 14 hitouts and six disposals, with fellow rookie ruckman Alex Mirkov contributing with 10 taps and seven touches. Rob Monahan (seven disposals) and Harry Lemmey (six) were the only other senior players on the ground.Coaches MVP Award
10 - Toby Conway (GEE)7 - Mitch Hardie (GEE)
6 - Ted Clohesy (GEE)
5 - Shannon Neale (GEE)
2 - Jhye Clark (GEE)
Video
Round 6, 2024.
| CARLTON | 1.3.9 | 3.4.22 | 6.5.41 | 9.8 (62) |
| WERRIBEE | 3.4.22 | 8.6.54 | 12.9.81 | 14.10 (94) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Sunday May 4th, 2024 (2.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 32 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | L. McMahon 2.1, J. Binns 2.0, J. Carroll 1.2, W. White 1.0, H. O'Keeffe 1.0, H. Lemney 1.0, A. Mirkov 1.0, L. Young 0.1, A. Moir 0.1, Z. Maher 0.1, Rushed 0.2. | |||
| Best: | B. Kemp, J. Carroll, D. Akuei, S. Durdin, J. Binns, L. McMahon. | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: L. Young (55), S. Durdin (38), H. Lemmey (31)HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), B. Kemp (17)
C: O. Hollands (4), J. Binns (25), T. Phillips (59)
HF: N. Cahill (54), R. Monahan (34), A. Moir (43)
F: L. McMahon (52), L. Nelson (57), A. Mirkov (45)
R: H. O'Keeffe (40), J. Carroll (16), Z. Maher (50)
INT: D. Hogg (70)*, W. White (77), M. Lewis (58), B. Lambert (80), H. Ramshaw (51)
EMG: A. Stevens (64), K. Ferronato (63), J. Gedi (68), H. Gill (62), C. Verrell (71), L. Prout (74), B. Kuipers (60), J. Lefroy (79)
IN: J. Binns, J. Carroll, S. Durdin, O. Hollands, B. Kemp
OUT: K. Ferronato, J. Gedi, B. Kuipers, L. Prout, A. Stevens
Match Review
Blues fall to Werribee
A summary of Carlton's Round 6 VFL clash. - By Hannah Tomasoni.In a back-and-forth game, the Carlton Reserves fell short against Werribee on Saturday. Following a big loss last week, the Blues welcomed back some AFL-listed talent, but were unable to get over the line in the 9.8 (62) to 14.10 (94) defeat. Brodie Kemp (25 disposals, 13 marks) and Billy Wilson (27) topped the possession count, while Hudson O'Keeffe (seven clearances) and Jaxon Binns (eight tackles, two goals) battling hard all day.
Quarter one:
It was a slow start for the Blues at Avalon Airport Oval, allowing Werribee to gain possession over the ball and spend most of the time in their forward half. In his first VFL game for the year, Sam Durdin took an early intercept mark to settle in, while Jack Carroll hunted for the ball in the middle of the ground. Good control of the ball and transition down the ground allowed Alex Mirkov to kick his first VFL career goal, while Dom Akuei had some important defensive moments to bring the ball back into Carlton’s forward half. Some late chances weren’t converted for Carlton as Werribee largely dominated possession, with the Blues trailing by 13 points at the first break.
Quarter two:
The second quarter began in a similar fashion to the first, with Werribee taking control of the ball. However, the Blues’ aggression was turning the game into a contest, with Jack Carroll (14 first-half disposals) busy in the middle while Ashton Moir provided a target forward of the ball. After drawing a 50-metre penalty, Will White kicked his first of the game to bring the Blues back into it on the scoreboard. However, from there, the Blues struggled to cope with Werribee’s pressure. A Dom Akuei intercept led to a chance for Jaxon Binns late in the quarter, which he converted to give the Blues their second of the term: however, the Blues still trailed by 32 points at half time.
Quarter three:
It was a solid start to the third quarter for the Blues, who gained possession of the ball from the centre bounce which ended in Jaxon Binns kicking his second of the game. Strong work up forward from White led to Carroll kicking the Blues’ second in under five minutes, while Brodie Kemp stood up behind the ball with his determination to win the ball back. As the Blues looked to get back into the game, Werribee was able to take control of the contest and make the most of their forward opportunities. A free kick to Hudson O'Keefferegistered the Blues’ third of the quarter, leaving the Blues trailing by 40 at three-quarter time.
Quarter four:
Liam McMahon kicked his first goal of the game on the back of the Blues’ good work at the contest, and after being swung forward in the second half, Harry Lemmey registered his first of the season. Brodie Kemp continued his good afternoon on the way to finish with 25 disposals and a game-high 13 marks, with the Blues’ effort not waning despite the game being out of their reach. However, it wasn’t to be at Avalon Airport Oval, with the Blues falling by 32 points come the final siren.
Smithy's VFL Match Review
Werribee hit back from its disappointing loss to Williamstown last week to regain its spot in the top six with a comfortable 32-point victory over Carlton at Avalon Airport Oval. The injury-hit Tigers were blown away by the Seagulls on Anzac Day, but this result showed they still have plenty of weapons to deal with most of the competition, kicking clear with five goals to two in the second term and extending their lead at the first three changes before the Blues minimised the damage in the last quarter. Jack Riding produced a breakout performance in just his 10th game, earning 34 disposals, 10 marks, five tackles and 10 inside-50s to far exceed his previous best of 21 touches. Dom Brew (33 disposals, nine marks, seven clearances, eight entries, one goal) and Kye Declase (29 disposals, 10 marks, five entries) dominated as they do every week, Bior Malual got back to his best with 23 touches and nine marks, recruit Angus Hicks proved his value with 19 disposals, seven marks and three goals and Jay Dahlhaus also booted three goals. Speaking of breakout games, number 34 draft pick Billy Wilson’s fourth game was the best of his short career as he led the Blues with 27 disposals, seven marks and six rebounds. Jaxon Binns returned from his overdue AFL debut to grab 26 touches, eight tackles and two goals, Brodie Kemp starred in defence with 25 touches, 13 marks, eight tackles, six rebounds and a goal and Jack Carroll put up 23 possessions, seven marks, five clearances and a goal.Coaches MVP Award
10 - Jack Riding (WER)4 - Riley Bice (WER)
4 - Dom Brew (WER)
4 - Kye Declase (WER)
3 - Jack Henderson (WER)
2 - Jaxon Binns (CAR)
2 - Brodie Kemp (CAR)
1 - Bior Malual (WER)
Video
Round 7, 2024.
| CARLTON | 4.3.27 | 6.6.42 | 7.11.53 | 9.12 (66) |
| CASEY DEMONS | 1.3.9 | 6.7.43 | 8.9.57 | 9.15 (69) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Friday May 10th, 2024 (5.10 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 3 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | N. Cahill 2.3, L. McMahon 2.2, W. White 1.1, H. O'Keeffe 1.1, H. Lemney 1.1, R. Monahan 1.0, J. Carroll 1.0, A. Moir 0.1, Rushed 0.3. | |||
| Best: | J. Binns, O. Fantasia, C. Marchbank, Lachie Young, J. Carroll, L. McMahon. | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: C. Marchbank (22), S. Durdin (38), Lewis Young (33)HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), Lachie. Young (55)
C: J. Binns (25), D. Cunningham (28), H. Ramshaw (51)
HF: N. Cahill (52), H. Lemmey (31), R. Monahan (34)
F: O. Fantasia (14), A. Mirkov (45), L. McMahon (52)
R: H. O'Keeffe (40), J. Carroll (16), A. Moir (43)
INT: M. Lewis (58), L. Nelson (57), O. Poole (75), L. Prout (74), W. White (77)
IN: D. Cuningham, O. Fantasia, C. Marchbank, O. Poole, L. Prout, L. Young
OUT: B. Kemp (AFL), D. Hogg, B. Lambert, Z. Maher, T. Phillips, A. Stevens
NEW: Orazio Fantasia, 28, 180cm, Port Adelaide AFL; Oliver Poole, 19, 183cm, Echuca United/Bendigo Pioneers
Match Review
Blues pipped by Dees
It was a reversal of the AFL clash when the Blues and Demons met in Round 7 VFL action. - By Hannah Tomasoni.In yet another close game, the Carlton Reserves fell just short again against the Casey Demons. Back with a home game for Round 7, the Blues welcomed back some AFL-listed players for the clash with the Dees, but couldn’t secure the win in a back-and-forth contest with a 9.12 (66) to 9.15 (69) defeat. Jaxon Binns dominated the disposal chart (43 disposals) while Orazio Fantasia and Jack Carroll had high clearances (five each). Liam McMahon and Ned Cahill both performed strongly up forward, kicking two goals each for the Blues.
Quarter one:
Starting Round 7 off on a gloomy Friday night, the Blues were slow to get into it, but responded to find Liam McMahon for the Blues’ first goal of the night. A good tackle by Michael Lewis brought the ball back into the Blues’ possession, which was followed by Ned Cahill who scored the second goal for the Blues of the quarter. The Blues generated great ball movement down the ground for Will White to kick a goal from directly in front, before maintain good pressure against the Demons to turn over the ball that led to a Rob Monahan goal. A returning Caleb Marchbank and Sam Durdin in the backline battled to win the ball back, while Jaxon Binns worked hard to help the Blues in defence. At quarter time, the Blues lead by 18.
Quarter two:
Beginning the second quarter, the Blues took hold of the ball with a mark by Logan Prout, which allowed for Hudson O'Keeffe to get his first goal of the night. The Demons came back hunting the ball to score, but the Blues were not far behind them, showing their determination both defensively and offensively. Heath Ramshaw showed his skills when running through centre bounce and gaining possession for the Blues, feeding the ball to Ned Cahill to score his second. Jack Carroll was strong through the contest, leading the disposals with 16, followed closely behind by Jaxon Binns with 15. The Blues looked to stay strong in the contest as the Demons began to press, but they weren’t able to shut down Casey’s attacking options in the second half of the term, trailing by one point as the siren sounded for half time.
Quarter three:
Opening the third quarter, Orazio Fantasia was quick to grasp the ball and bring it into the Blues’ possession. Liam McMahon was able to provide an attacking option inside 50 and kick his second, with the Blues looking to keep possession of the ball on a low-scoring night. with a kick-to-kick movement to keep the ball within their reach. The Demons weren’t to be denied, with both teams battling it out as the Blues showed great determination to keep their lead. Some late chances for the Blues went begging, which opened the door for the Demons to close the quarter with a major, seeing the Blues trail at three-quarter time by four points.
Quarter four:
Starting off the final quarter on a high, the Blues regrouped to get the ball to Jack Carroll and Harry Lemmey who both converted inside the first six minutes to open up a handy gap. The Demons worked their way back up the scoreboard with Ben Brown looming large, making it hard for the Blues to get the ball going in their direction. Alex Mirkov stood out for the Blues with multiple contested marks going his way on the wing, while Jaxon Binns continued a prolific game to bring his tally to 42 disposals for the night. The Blues struggled to leave their defensive half as the Dees hit the front courtesy of consecutive behinds in yet another close game for the Blues, with the siren sounding in what ended a three-point defeat.
Smithy's VFL Match Review
Midfielder Jaxon Binns was prolific for Carlton but it wasn't enough to get the Blues over the line in their three-point loss to Casey on Friday night. Jaxon Binns had the ball on a string all night, finishing with 43 touches along with 11 marks, five tackles and five clearances in a best afield showing. Jack Carroll was busy with 24 touches, five clearances and a goal, while Harry Lemmey (10 touches) and Irish rookie Rob Monahan (six) kicked a goal apiece. Orazio Fantasia (22 disposals, five clearances), David Cuningham (14, two) and Lewis Young (19, five marks) all played with a point to prove after being axed from the senior side this week. Defenders Caleb Marchbank (15 touches, four marks) and Billy Wilson (17, three) made their presence felt down back, while Alex Mirkov (27 hitouts, 10 touches) and Hudson O'Keeffe (16 hitouts, one goal) dominated proceedings in the ruck. Dom Akuei (nine touches), Sam Durdin (six) and Ashton Moir (six) were among the other Blues players in action.Coaches MVP Votes
9 - Jaxon Binns (CAR)8 - Ben Brown (CD)
4 - Lachie Hunter (CD)
3 - Adam Tomlinson (CD)
3 - Mitch White (CD)
2 - Orazio Fantasia (CAR)
1 - Koltyn Tholstrup (CD)
Video
Round 8, 2024.
| CARLTON | 3.1.19 | 4.4.28 | 6,7,43 | 12.11 (83) |
| WILLIAMSTOWN | 6.1.37 | 8.4.52 | 11.8.74 | 13.10 (88) |
| Venue: | DSV Stadiun, Williamstown. | |||
| Date: | Saturday May 18th, 2024 (3.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 5 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | L. McMahon 4.1, H. Ramshaw 2.0, N. Cahill 1.5, J. Lefroy 1.1, R. Monahan 1.0, A. Moir 1.0, H. Lemmey 1.0, D. Harvey 1.0, L. Cowan 0.2, O. Poole 0.1, J. Binns 0.1. | |||
| Best: | Lachlan Cowan, Lewis Young, Lachlan Young, Liam McMahon, Alex Mirkov, Ned Cahill. | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: L. Cowan (2), M. Lewis (58), L. Young (33)HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), L. Young (55)
C: T. Phillips (59), J. Binns (25), Z. Maher (50)
HF: N. Cahill (54), R. Monahan (34), A. Moir (43)
F: L. McMahon (52), H. Lemmey (31), L. Nelson (57)
R: A. Mirkov (45), L. Goonan (66), H. Ramshaw (51)
INT: L. Prout (74), W. White (77), O. Poole (75)*, J. Lefroy (79), D. Harvey (73)
EMG: K. Ferronato (63), B. Lambert (80), A. Stevens (64), H. Gill (62), C. Verrell (71), J. Gedi (68), F. Riley (56)
IN: L. Cowan, L. Goonan, D. Harvey, J. Lefroy, Z. Maher, T. Phillips
OUT: J. Carroll, O. Fantasia, C. Marchbank (AFL), D. Cuningham (calf), S. Durdin (concussion), H. O'Keeffe (hamstring)
NEW: Dane Harvey, 20, 195cm, Fitzroy/Northern Knights.
Match Review
No match review compiled by Carlton FC.Smithy's VFL Match Review
After less than a quarter in the big time back in round seven, Jaxon Binns has returned to what he does best - racking up the numbers at state league level. The midfielder finished with 28 disposals and six clearances in Carlton's nail-biting five-point loss to Williamstown on Saturday afternoon. Key defender Lewis Young impressed with 22 disposals and eight marks, while Lachie Cowan was among the best with 20 touches, seven marks and seven tackles. Young trio Rob Monahan, Ashton Moir and Harry Lemmey kicked one goal apiece. Rookie Alex Mirkov carried the truckload for the Blues, finishing with 44 hitouts, five clearances and 12 disposals. Billy Wilson (15 touches) and Domanic Akuei (seven) were the only other senior-listed players in action as injuries take a toll on Carlton’s stocks.Coaches MVP Votes
10 - Luke Parks (WIL)5 - Lachlan Cowan (CAR)
5 - Tom Downie (WIL)
4 - Will Fordham (WIL)
4 - Lachie Young (CAR)
1 - Jack Toner (WIL)
1 - Heath Ramshaw (CAR)
Video
Round 9, 2024.
| CARLTON | 0.2.2 | 3.5.23 | 5.7.37 | 7.10 (52) |
| GOLD COAST SUNS | 7.4.46 | 7.5.47 | 11.10.76 | 15.12 (102) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Saturday May 25th, 2024 (10.25 am). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 50 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | W. White 3.3, L. McMahon 2.0, H. Gill 1.1, J. Motlop 1.0, L. Nelson 0.1, Z. Maher 0.1, D. Harvey 0.1, L. Goonan 0.1, Rushed 0.2. | |||
| Best: | W. White, L. Prout, L. McMahon, Z. Maher, L. Goonan, La.Young | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: S. Durdin (38), M. Lewis (58), L. Young (33)HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), L. Young (55)
C: A. Moir (43), J. Binns (25), Z. Maher (50)
HF: N. Cahill (54), R. Monahan (34), J. Motlop (3)
F: L. McMahon (52), H. Lemmey (31), C. Durdin (19)
R: A. Mirkov (45), L. Goonan (66), H. Ramshaw (51)
INT: L. Prout (74), W. White (77), L. Nelson (57), A. Stevens (64), D. Harvey (73)*
EMG: J. Lefroy (79), B. Lambert (80), F. Riley (56), H. Gill (62), T. Phillips (59), J. Gedi (68), K. Ferronato (63)
IN: C. Durdin, S. Durdin, J. Motlop, A. Stevens
OUT: L. Cowan (AFL), O. Poole (Bendigo Pioneers), J. Lefroy, T. Phillips (omitted).
Match Review
Slow start costly for VFL Blues
A summary of VFL Round 9 action. - By Hannah TomasoniAfter a slow start, the Carlton Reserves fell short against reigning premiers Gold Coast in Round 9 VFL action. With Jesse Motlop returning from injury, the Blues were unable to get going to start proceedings, ultimately falling short in the 7.10 (52) to 15.12 (102) defeat. Archie Stevens (23 disposals) and Jaxon Binns (25 disposals) led the disposal count throughout the game, while Will White performed strong in the forward half, kicking three goals for the Blues.
Quarter one
The Round 9 home game at IKON Park saw the Blues unable to stop Gold Coast’s momentum in the early going, whose confidence and determination saw them dominate proceedings to start. Despite strong defensive efforts from the returning Sam Durdin, co-captain Lachie Young and 50-gamer Ned Cahill, the experienced Suns were able to pile on seven unanswered goals, with the Blues unable to get on the board as the likes of Rory Atkins, Brayden Fiorini and Brandon Ellis got busy. At quarter time, the Blues trailed by 44 points.
Quarter two
Looking for a response, Heath Ramshaw had a strong start to the term at the centre bounce, hoping to change the outcome of the first quarter where the Suns dominated clearances. Lewis Young intercepted well down back while Luke Nelson forced a turnover, ending with a returning Motlop kicking the Blues’ first of the game. Will White followed that up with Carlton’s second in the space of three minutes, while Dom Akuei had some promising moments behind the ball as the Blues looked to work their way into the game. There were some more positive moments in attack for the Blues, who got themselves back within 24 at the siren sounded for half time.
Quarter three
After keeping the Suns goalless in the second term, the Blues looked to once again come out firing, with Lachie Young defending aggressively down back. The Suns responded from the second quarter, dictating the early part of the third term with four goals, but - following a 50-metre penalty - White was able to kick his third goal for the game. A young Blues outfit continued to fight, with Zavier Maher and Luca Goonan working hard around the ball, while Hayden Gill broke through in the closing stages of the quarter on the scoreboard as the Blues trailed by 38 points.
Quarter four
The Blues were improved in the contest and were able to gain possession, but couldn’t break through in the early going of the final term. Experienced key forwards for the Suns in Levi Casboult and Sam Day were providing headaches all day, but at the other end, Liam McMahon stood up, registering back-to-back goals in the opening 10 minutes of the term. Ramshaw’s determination at the contest didn’t waver, but the Blues were left to rue some missed opportunities going forward after three straight behinds, with the Suns kicking the final three goals of the game to record a 50-point win.
Smithy's VFL Match Review
Jesse Motlop played his first game of the year in Carlton's 50-point loss to Gold Coast on Saturday. Motlop has endured a frustrating injury run to begin 2024, but returned to action and finished with five disposals and a goal in the Blues' loss. Jaxon Binns continues to push for a senior spot and had 25 touches at Ikon Park. Drafted with pick No.34 in last year's draft, Billy Wilson played well to finish with 22 disposals. Lewis Young (13 disposals), Domanic Akuei (10 and six marks), Alex Mirkov (nine and 22 hitouts) and Sam Durdin (eight) were also in action.Coaches MVP Votes
10 - Brayden Fiorini (GCS)6 - Rory Atkins (GCS)
6 - Levi Casboult (GCS)
4 - Will Graham (GCS)
3 - Brandon Ellis (GCS)
1 - Ned Moyle (GCS)
Video
Round 10, 2024.
| CARLTON | 2.3.15 | 4.10.34 | 6.11.47 | 11.17 (83) |
| NORTHERN BULLANTS | 7.3.45 | 8.6.54 | 13.11.89 | 14.11 (95) |
| Venue: | Genis Steel Oval, Preston. | |||
| Date: | Sunday June 2nd, 2024 (2.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 12 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | L. McMahon 3.1, N. Cahill 2.1, J. Binns 1.2, C. Durdin 1.1, L. Young 1.0, L. Prout 1.0, B. Lambert 1.0, D. Harvey 1.0, W. White 0.3, H. Lemmey 0.2, A. Stevens 0.1, C. Marchbank 0.1, J. Carroll 0.1, Rushed 0.4. | |||
| Best: | ||||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: S. Durdin (38), C. Marchbank (22), L. Young (33)HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), L. Young (55)
C: A. Moir (43), J. Binns (25), Z. Maher (50)
HF: C. Durdin (19), R. Monahan (34), J. Motlop (3)
F: L. McMahon (52), H. Lemmey (31), N. Cahill (54)
R: A. Mirkov (45), J. Carroll (16), H. Ramshaw (51)
INT: L. Prout (74), W. White (77), L. Nelson (57), A. Stevens (64), D. Harvey (73)*
EMG: J. Lefroy (79), B. Lambert (80), F. Riley (56), H. Gill (62), O. Poole (75), L. Goonan (66), K. Ferronato (63), M. Lewis (58)
IN: J. Carroll, C. Durdin, H. Lemmey, C. Marchbank
OUT: H. Gill, L. Goonan, J. Lefroy, M. Lewis
Match Review
No match review compiled by Carlton FC.Smithy's VFL Match Review
Northern Bullants landed one of its sweetest wins since coming back into the VFL as a standalone club, climbing off the bottom of the ladder and relegating former partner Carlton into that position with a 12-point victory in front of a big crowd at Genis Steel Oval. Jean-Luc Velissaris ran the stats man’s pen dry in a stunning individual performance as the Bullants slammed on the first five goals and seven in the first term – including three to John Jorgensen – to stun the Blues before holding firm to lead by 20 points at half-time. The Ants blasted another five goals to two in the third to take what appeared to be a match-winning 42-point lead turning for home, but Carlton finally came to life, kicking four goals in the first 11 minutes of the first term to put the fans on edge. The Blues were able to draw within 13 points in the 24th minute, before Will Elliott, who earlier took another hanger to turn AFL recruiters’ head again, won a free kick at the top of the goal square and sealed the win – finishing with 2.3 from 16 touches and five marks. Velissaris, however, was one of the stories of the day as he piled up 45 disposals, six clearances and 12 inside-50s in a best afield display, while Patrick Fairlie (34 disposals, five marks, nine clearances, 11 tackles) covered plenty of ground. Co-captains Liam Mackie (28 disposals, 10 rebounds) and Matt King (22 disposals, seven rebounds) continually turned Carlton back and Jorgensen backed up his early goals to have 21 possessions and eight marks. Former St Kilda star Sam Gilbert also made his presence felt in his first VFL game in five years, providing great leadership and finishing with 12 disposals and almost taking the mark of the day late in the last quarter. Jack Carroll was sensational for the Blues backing up from his substitute appearance in the AFL on Thursday night to win 32 disposals, six clearances and seven inside-50s. Archie Stevens (29 disposals, five marks), Billy Wilson (26 disposals) and Luke Nelson (23 disposals) also played well and Liam McMahon (three goals) threatened to take the game away from the Bullants, but the home team held on and Carlton became the first AFL-aligned team to be bottom of the ladder after Round 10 this millennium.Coaches MVP Votes
9 - Patrick Fairlie (NB)8 - Jean-Luc Velissaris (NB)
7 - John Jorgensen (NB)
3 - Jack Carroll (CAR)
2 - Will Elliott (NB)
1 - Liam Mackie (NB)
Video
Round 11, 2024.
| CARLTON | 7.2.44 | 12.3.75 | 15.5.95 | 16.5 (101) |
| ESSENDON | 2.2.14 | 6.4.40 | 13.5.83 | 16.8 (104) |
| Venue: | Windy Hill, Essendon. | |||
| Date: | Sunday June 9th, 2024 (2.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 3 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | L. McMahon 5.1, W. White 2.1, J. Motlop 2.1, H. Lemmey 2.1, N. Cahill 2.0, Z. Maher 1.0, J. Binns 1.0, B. Lambert 1.0, L. Nelson 0.1. | |||
| Best: | L. McMahon, K. Ferronato, W. White, N. Cahill, L. Prout, J. Motlop. | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: S. Durdin (38), C. Marchbank (22), L. Young (33)HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), L. Young (55)
C: A. Moir (43), J. Binns (25), Z. Maher (50)
HF: B. Lambert (80), R. Monahan (34), J. Motlop (3)
F: L. McMahon (52), H. Lemmey (31), N. Cahill (54)
R: A. Mirkov (45), C. Lord (36), H. Ramshaw (51)
INT: L. Prout (74), W. White (77), L. Nelson (57), K. Ferronato (63)*, M. Lewis (58)
EMG: A. Stevens (64), D. Hogg (70), H. Nosiara (69), H. Gill (62), O. Poole (75), L. Goonan (66), T. Phillips (59), B. Kuipers (60)
IN: D. Akuei, S. Durdin, K. Ferronato, C. Lord
OUT: J. Carroll, C. Durdin (AFL), D. Harvey, A. Stevens
NEW: Cooper Lord, 19, 184cm, North Melbourne VFL/Kew Comets/Sandringham Dragons.
Match Review
Blues fall in final minutes
A summary of Round 11 VFL action - By Hannah Tomasoni.After a back-and-forth game, the Carlton Reserves were left ruing another missed opportunity against Essendon in a Round 11 nailbiter. With Sam Durdin and Dom Akuei returning in the Blues backline, the Blues produced their best football of the season in the first half, but were unable to keep their lead in the 16.5 (101) to 16.8 (104) defeat. In his third game for the season, Jesse Motlop had his best game of 2024 (16 disposals, two goals) to be one of the Blues’ best. Kristian Ferronato (23 disposals) and Billy Wilson (21 disposals) topped the disposals chart, while Liam McMahon again was a focal point in attack with five goals.
Quarter one:
Essendon made a strong to the start of the quarter with a goal inside the opening minute through Dylan Shiel, before they added another for the first two of the game. Defensive marks from Dom Akuei and Sam Durdin relieved the pressure, starting a run for the Blues with Liam McMahon scoring their first. Continuing his good 2024 form, Will White was soon to hit the scoreboard, with the Blues showing their strength at the centre bounce to get the ball going their way. Soon, Carlton had complete control of the contest, with Bailey Lambert and Ned Cahill both kicking goals while Lewis Young stood up defensively. The Blues were able to maintain their pressure, with Harry Lemmey - who played permanently up forward – and Zavier Maher both kicking goals. White added another to make it seven in a row for the Blues, leading by 30 at quarter time.
Quarter two:
It was a consistent start to the quarter for the Blues, with Jesse Motlop drawing a free kick and kicking truly before McMahon added another. Captain Lachie Young was busy defensively as Essendon looked to find its way back into the game, before slick ball movement through the centre of the ground allowed McMahon to kick a third. It was a more back-and-forth contest in the second term, with the Bombers able to close the gap and put the Blues under more pressure. Carlton still had some great moments going forward, with Jaxon Binns pushing hard to an open goal. The ball spent more time in Essendon’s forward half, but a big contested win from the Blues late in the term saw Motlop kick his second just as the siren sounded for a 35-point lead.
Quarter three:
Back after half time, Essendon found their feet and started to lower Carlton’s lead. While the Blues’ determination was still high, they were unable to stop the Bombers’ run as the rain started to come down at Windy Hill. Three goals to Saad El-Hawli saw Essendon snatch the lead within 12 minutes of the third quarter, despite the best efforts of Caleb Marchbank and Logan Prout down back. Former Essendon player Ned Cahill stopped the run with the Blues’ first of the half, as they looked to work their way back into the contest and control the ball. Lemmey and McMahon responded when their team needed them with a pair of late goals, ensuring the Blues still had a lead of 12 points after the tide had turned.
Quarter four:
The slippery weather and high staked started to get to the teams in the last quarter, with the Blues starting to lose possession of their feet and of the ball. An intercepted mark from Caleb Marchbank and a great tackle from Luke Nelson brought confidence back to the Blues, allowing them to advance ball down the field for McMahon’s fifth to re-establish a 12-point lead. Playing on the wing, Ashton Moir worked hard defensively with six tackles, with the Bombers starting to press as they gained the momentum. Unfortunately for the Blues, consistent entries into the Bombers’ forward 50 saw the hosts break through, taking the lead at the 19-minute mark. The final 10 minutes was a dour struggle in a high-scoring game, with only one behind kicked in the final 10 minutes as the Blues fell just short.
Smithy's VFL Match Review
Carlton has coughed up a 40-point second-quarter lead to go down by three points to Essendon on Sunday, with the Bombers slamming home 10 goals to four in the second half to steal the win. Harry Lemmey fired up forward with two goals, four tackles and three clearances, while Jesse Motlop was equally as influential with two goals of his own to go with four clearances and 16 disposals. Defenders Lewis Young (seven marks, 18 disposals), Caleb Marchbank (eight marks, 11), and Billy Wilson (21 disposals, three tackles) stood tall in an under-fire defence. Ruckman Alex Mirkov finished with 25 hitouts and five clearances, Jaxon Binns kicked one goal and had 10 touches, and young forward Ashton Moir had 11 touches and six tackles. Key defenders Domanic Akuei (12 disposals, four marks) and Sam Durdin (11, six) and tall forward Rob Monahan (four) all did their bit.Coaches MVP Votes
10 - Saad El-Hawli (ESS)8 - Liam McMahon (CAR)
5 - Sam Weideman (ESS)
3 - Xavier O'Neill (ESS)
2 - Nate Caddy (ESS)
1 - Nick Bryan (ESS)
1 - Will White (CAR)
Video
Round 12, 2024.
BYE
Round 13, 2024.
| CARLTON | 5.5.35 | 7.6.48 | 8.8.56 | 10.11 (71) |
| SOUTHPORT | 2.1.13 | 4.6.30 | 8.11.59 | 11.17 (83) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Saturday June 22nd, 2024 (12.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 12 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | L. McMahon 2.1, J. Motlop 2.0, H. Lemmey 1.4, M. Pittonet 1.0, R. Monahan 1.0, A. Moir 1.0, Z. Maher 1.0, D. Cuningham 1.0, N. Cahill 0.2, H. Ramshaw 0.1, Rushed 0.3. | |||
| Best: | C. Marchbank, M. Pittonet, W. White, C. Lord, Le.Young, S. Durdin. | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: S. Durdin (38), C. Marchbank (22), L. Young (33)HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), L. Young (55)
C: A. Moir (43), J. Binns (25), D. Cuningham (28)
HF: N. Cahill (54), R. Monahan (34), J. Motlop (3)
F: L. McMahon (52), H. Lemmey (31), A. Mirkov (45)
R: M. Pittonet (27), C. Lord (36), J. Carroll (16)
INT: L. Prout (74), W. White (77), D. Hogg (70)*, H. Ramshaw (51), Z. Maher (50)
EMG: A. Stevens (64), B. Lambert (80), J. Lefory (79), M. Lewis (58), K. Ferronato (63), L. Nelson (57)
IN: J. Carroll, D. Cuningham, D. Hogg, C. Lord, M. Pittonet
OUT: T. Phillips (thumb), K. Ferronato, B. Lambert, M. Lewis, L. Nelson
NEW: Cooper Lord, 19, 184cm, North Melbourne VFL/Old Scotch
Match Review
Marchbank, Pittonet impress in close loss
Carlton fell by two goals to second-placed Southport in VFL Round 13 action. - By Hannah TomasoniBack at IKON Park this week after a bye last week, the Carlton Reserves came out with a strong determination to get a win against Southport. With multiple AFL-listed players back in the line-up this week, the Blues burst out of the blocks and produced a great first half, but couldn’t maintain their lead in another narrow defeat, falling 11.17 (83) to 10.11 (71). The returning Marc Pittonet (24 disposals, nine clearances, one goal) was excellent as was Caleb Marchbank (19 disposals, eight intercepts), while mid-season recruit Cooper Lord showed promising signs with 19 disposals.
Quarter one:
The Carlton Reserves were back this week after last week’s bye looking to redeem themselves after yet another close loss. Round 13 against the second-placed Southport took place at IKON Park, where the Blues had a good start to the game with high pressure in their defence. An intercepted mark from the Blues saw Jesse Motlop kick the Blues’ first, with youngster Billy Wilson brilliant in the build-up. There was back-and-forth possession from both teams meant the Blues had to be up for the fight early, but eventually broke through with goals to Harry Lemmey and Rob Monahan. The Blues set up strongly in the midfield in the first quarter, getting the game on their terms and stopping Southport in their tracks. Sam Durdin and Caleb Marchbank held up well defensively, with Motlop showing up again at the other end to kick his second of the day. The Blues’ pressure paid off once more with Ashton Moir kicking the team’s fifth, marking an end to a great quarter as they took a 22-point lead into quarter time.
Quarter two:
The Blues’ pressure and defence didn’t drop in the early stages of the second quarter, with a great smother by skipper Lachie Young typifying the team’s effort. Zavier Maher kept the Blues’ momentum going, getting the ball forward at all costs before kicking the first of the quarter. Jack Carroll was strong at the centre bounce, while a great tackle from Marchbank and intercept mark from Akuei in the backline helped put a surging Southport at bay. With the Sharks pushing, Marc Pittonet stood up, winning a free kick and converting from close range to give his team a handy buffer at the main break. Carroll had more disposals than any other Blue with 16, while Wilson played one of his best halves of the year with 14 disposals and five tackles. At half time, the Blues kept their lead at 18 points.
Quarter three:
On managed minutes in his first game back, David Cuningham was brought into the game at half time and immediately made an impact, getting two touches right away and launching the ball forward for Liam McMahon to kick his first. Unfortunately for the Blues, while Cuningham came into the game, the impressive Wilson didn’t return after half time due to a knee injury sustained in the second quarter. Marchbank continued to lead by example in defence with an intercept mark on the last line, but the game had shifted after the break, with Southport dominating territory. Lemmey and McMahon worked hard to provide a target, while Maher’s effort didn’t waver, however the gap continued to close as the quarter progressed. After the Blues kicked the opening goal 25 seconds into the quarter, it was all Sharks from there, kicking 4.5 to two behinds as they took a three-point lead, proving to be another close game for the Blues.
Quarter four:
The start to the last quarter saw the Blues take control of the ball, with big efforts from Jaxon Binns and Sam Durdin trying to get the game on their terms. The Blues continued fighting down back as the Sharks continued to press, and Carlton’s grit was rewarded with Cuningham kicking a goal to even the scores between the teams and give the Blues a spark. Trailing inside 50s by 17, Marchbank and Lewis Young were busy to stop Southport from scoring, as an answering goal from McMahon at the other end kept the Blues in it. However, Southport retaliation and fought back with another goal, securing second spot on the ladder and handing the Blues another narrow defeat in season 2024.
Smithy's VFL Match Review
It had been 60 games since Southport had last played Carlton – the first match of the Sharks’ VFL journey in 2021 – yet the long-awaited sequel followed a similar script as the Sharks came from behind for a 12-point victory at IKON Park. The Sharks climbed to second, but it didn’t always look that way as the cellar-dwelling Blues jumped them with four of the five goals. Carlton got out by 27 points when Zavier Maher kicked truly early in the second quarter and it was still 24 when Liam McMahon struck 25 seconds into the third with Shark Wylie Buzza off with an arm injury, but Southport gradually started to wrest back the momentum. The visitors kicked four goals to lead by three quarter-time and wore the Blues down before Byron Finch and Jay Lockhart broke them in time-on. The Sharks had 408 disposals and 143 marks against Carlton’s pressure, with Jesse Joyce (25 disposals, seven marks, one goal) eventually picking his way through, while Jacob Dawson (32 disposals, eight clearances) led all comers. Ben Jepson (28 disposals, 11 marks), Keegan Gray (26 disposals, eight marks) and 50th club gamers Max Spencer (25 disposals, 12 marks) and Boyd Woodcock (26 disposals, nine marks) were also prolific. Lockhart (six marks, three goals) and Zac Foot (20 disposals, seven marks, 2.4) stood up in the absence of Buzza. Caleb Marchbank (19 disposals, eight marks) was terrific down back for Carlton, Marc Pittonet (24 disposals, 21 hitouts, one goal) took the points off Brayden Crossley in his return from a hand injury, Maher had 27 possessions to go with his goal, Jaxon Binns and Jack Carroll also did well, Jesse Motlop (two goals) showed promising signs and Sam Durdin had 14 touches in his 100th State league game.Coaches MVP Votes
5 - Zac Foot (SOU)5 - Jesse Joyce (SOU)
4 - Ben Jepson (SOU)
4 - Zavier Maher (CAR)
4 - Marc Pittonet (CAR)
3 - Jacob Dawson (SOU)
2 - Jay Lockhart (SOU)
2 - Boyd Woodcock (SOU)
1 - Hugh Dixon (SOU)
Video
Round 14, 2024.
| CARLTON | 2.2.14 | 2.4.16 | 6.7.43 | 10.9 (69) |
| RICHMOND | 3.1.19 | 5.5.35 | 8.7.55 | 16.9 (105) |
| Venue: | Swinburne Centre, Richmond. | |||
| Date: | Sunday June 30th, 2024 (12.00 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 36 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | H. Lemmey 3.1, L. McMahon 2.1, L. Nelson 1.0, A. Moir 1.0, A. Mirkov 1.0, C. Lord 1.0, N. Cahill 1.0, Lachie Young 0.1, D. Hogg 0.1, K. Ferronato 0.1, C. Durdin 0.1, Rushed 0.3. | |||
| Best: | ||||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: S. Durdin (38), C. Marchbank (22), L. Young (33)HB: L. Prout (74), D. Akuei (41), L. Young (55)
C: N. Cahill (54), J. Binns (25), D. Cuningham (28)
HF: A. Moir (43), R. Monahan (34), J. Motlop (3)
F: C. Durdin (19), H. Lemmey (31), A. Mirkov (45)
R: M. Pittonet (27), C. Lord (36), J. Carroll (16)
INT: H. Ramshaw (51), Z. Maher (50), L. McMahon (52), W. White (77), D. Hogg (70)*
EMG: A. Stevens (64), H. Gill (62), L. Goonan (66), M. Lewis (58), K. Ferronato (63), L. Nelson (57), O. Badr (72), H. Nosiara (69)
IN: C. Durdin
OUT: B. Wilson (managed)
Match Review
No match review compiled by Carlton FC.Smithy's VFL Match Review
Richmond produced an eight-goal final-quarter avalanche to cruise to a 36-point win over Carlton at the Swinburne Centre on Sunday to keep the Blues glued to the bottom of the Smithy’s VFL ladder. The Blues took it up to their top-10 opponents for three-and-a-half quarters, being only 12 points down 18 minutes into the last quarter, but two goals each to Sam Davidson and Steely Green broke their resolve and blew the final margin out to the biggest it had been all day. Green, in fact, was in career-best form deep in attack, kicking his fifth goal on the final siren to cap the victory in style, while mid-season draftee Campbell Gray produced his best VFL game with five marks and four goals. Young talent Lachlan Wilson (34 disposals, six clearances) also starred for the Tigers alongside the experienced Joel Garner (28 disposals), while Liam Gheorge (24 disposals, two goals), Matt Coulthard (24 disposals, one goal) and Thomson Dow (26 disposals, eight clearances) were also important. Logan Prout produced one of his best games for Carlton with 17 touches and nine marks to shadow prolific pair Jack Carroll and Jaxon Binns (28 disposals each), while mid-season pick Cooper Lord (26 disposals) and defenders Lewis Young (17 disposals, 12 marks) and Sam Durdin (18 disposals, eight rebounds) also put in huge efforts, while Harry Lemmey broke out with three goals.Coaches MVP Votes
10 - Lachlan Wilson (RIC)8 - Joel Garner (RIC)
6 - Campbell Gray (RIC)
3 - Steely Green (RIC)
2 - Tom Brindley (RIC)
1 - Matthew Coulthard (RIC)
Video
Round 15, 2024.
| CARLTON | 1.3.9 | 7.4.46 | 10.5.65 | 17.12 (114) |
| GWS GIANTS | 3.3.21 | 6.3.39 | 11.6.72 | 14.9 (93) |
| Venue: | Blacktown ISP, Sydney. | |||
| Date: | Sunday July 6th, 2024 (1.05 pm). | |||
| Result: | Won by 21 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Jesse Motlop 4.0, Will White 3.2, Liam McMahon 2.1, Harry Lemmey 2.0, Ned Cahill 1.3, Zavier Maher 1.1, Jack Carroll 1.1, Liam Nelson 1.0, Ashton Moir 1.0, Jaxon Binns 1.0, Cooper Lord 0.1, Rushed 0.3. | |||
| Best: | Marc Pittonet, Will Hayes, David Cuningham, Jack Carroll, Jesse Motlop, Lewis Young. | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: S. Durdin (38), C. Marchbank (22), Le. Young (33)HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), La. Young (55)
C: G. Hewett (29), J. Binns (25), D. Cuningham (28)
HF: A. Moir (43), R. Monahan (34), J. Motlop (3)
F: N. Cahill (54), H. Lemmey (31), A. Mirkov (45)
R: M. Pittonet (27), C. Lord (36), J. Carroll (16)
INT: W. Hayes (53), Z. Maher (50), L. McMahon (52), W. White (77), O. Badr (72)*
EMG: A. Stevens (64), H. Gill (62), L. Goonan (66), D. Hogg (70), K. Ferronato (63), L. Nelson (57), J. Lefroy (79), H. Nosiara (69)
IN: O. Badr, W. Hayes, G. Hewett, J. Motlop, B. Wilson
OUT: C. Durdin (shoulder), L. Prout (groin), H. Ramshaw (quad), K. Ferronato, D. Hogg
NEW: Oliver Badr, 19, 177cm, Old Scotch/Oakleigh Chargers
Match Review
Blues defeat Giants away from home
Carlton Reserves has taken home a victory against Greater Western Sydney. - By Hannah Tomasoni (La Trobe University).In their first interstate game of the season, the Carlton Reserves produced a much-deserved win, moving from the bottom of the VFL ladder and securing their second win of the season. Bringing back some crucial names to the line-up this week, familiar faces returned and performed brilliantly, ensuring the Blues were on the right end of a back-to-back contest with a 17.12 (114) victory over GWS’ 14.9 (93). Will Hayes had a great first game back, dominating disposals (38) across half-back, while AFL-listed midfielders Jack Carroll (32 disposals, one goal) and David Cuningham (29 disposals, eight tackles) were busy. Jesse Motlop topped the scoring tally with four goals (two in the last quarter), with Will White (three goals) not far behind.
Quarter one:
The Blues’ first interstate VFL game for the season was an arm wrestle to start off with at Blacktown International Sportspark. The game began with GWS taking control of possession, but Sam Durdin and David Cuningham both worked hard to get control back. There was good ball movement at times through the centre of the ground for the Blues, but found themselves unable to maintain possession for long periods against the Giants. Jack Carroll provided good pressure in the middle and got reward offensively, moving the ball out of traffic and finding Liam McMahon for Carlton’s first of the game. It was a high-pressure game in the middle of the ground, with Lewis Young busy down back as the Giants established a lead late in the term on the back of fast play. At the end of the first quarter, the Giants led by 12 points.
Quarter two:
Kicking with the breeze in the second term, the Blues came out firing, hungry to grab the lead an overturn the two-goal deficit. Billy Wilson and Jesse Motlop showed bright moments, while Will Hayes - playing his first VFL game in nearly two years - was excellent across half-back. The returning Blue found McMahon for his second goal, before Jack Carroll assisted Jesse Motlop to give Carlton the lead for the first time of the afternoon. After Will White kicked the Blues’ third in quick succession, they had opened up a handy lead, but a back-and-forth contest with fast play through the middle of the ground saw the Giants take back their scoreboard advantage. Marc Pittonet was crucial in the ruck while Caleb Marchbank and Dom Akuei held up well in defence, allowing the Blues to settle. A strong mark from Harry Lemmey saw the Blues close the gap on the scoreboard, with the young forward ensuring team repeated itself to kick another minutes later. When Jaxon Binns broke through the middle to find Jack Carroll, who weaved his way to goal, the Blues all of a sudden had a seven-point lead at the main break after a six-goal quarter.
Quarter three:
After a strong first half, the Blues came back with the same determination for the second half of the game. Ashton Moir recorded the Blues’ first goal of the half, and not long after, a good smother from Hayes and intercept from Billy Wilson demonstrated the Blues’ commitment. Debutant Ollie Badr - playing as 23rd man – had some bright moments, but the Giants had more time in possession and were able to put it on the scoreboard with the wind at their backs. Jack Carroll once again found Jesse Motlop for his second, while David Cuningham continued to be busy offensively and defensively. Despite the Giants having the better of the term, it didn’t stop the Blues from putting their best foot forward and looking to take the game to their opposition. Will Hayes was excellent, recording 26 disposals to three-quarter time, as the Blues’ run down the wing ended in a goal to Will White: his second of the day brought the team back within seven points at the final change.
Quarter four:
Carlton started off the final quarter with an eagerness to get themselves back in the game, with a smother from David Cuningham getting the ball back in possession. It ended with Jaxon Binns taking the set shot and scoring his first, before great play from Zavier Maher and Will White gave the Blues a lead after three goals inside the opening five minutes. Marc Pittonet took control at stoppages, pushing the ball forward to end with Jesse Motlop kicking his third. The Giants started to press again in a game of momentum swings, but Jaxon Binns worked hard defensively to take an intercept mark in the goal square. With the game on the edge and after two shots at goal, Ned Cahill topped it off on his third time of asking, giving the Blues a game-high lead. A strong mark from Marc Pittonet allowed Jesse Motlop the chance at his fourth, which he duly converted, and with the win in sight, the Blues continued to fight as Luke Nelson sealed the result. The sun shone at Blacktown at the end of the final quarter as the Blues grabbed their second win of the season, defeating the Giants by 21 points.
Smithy's VFL Match Review
David Cuningham was the Blues’ best in their 21-point VFL win over the Giants, with 29 disposals, six clearances, eight tackles and five marks. Jack Carroll had 32 touches, four clearances and a goal, while Marc Pittonet dominated in the ruck with 33 hitouts and six clearances to go with his 25 disposals and six marks. Jesse Motlop had a day out in front of the sticks with four goals, while Harry Lemmey kicked two. Midfielder Jaxon Binns kicked a goal from 27 disposals while also taking five marks and two clearances, while first-year forward Ashton Moir kicked a goal from 12 disposals. Defender Lewis Young took 11 marks and had 23 disposals, while first-year defender Billy Wilson had 24 touches and six marks. AFL-listed emergency Caleb Marchbank had 11 disposals and took three marks, while Dom Akuei had eight and took three. Mid-season pick-up Cooper Lord had 26 disposals, six clearances and six tackles, while defender Sam Durdin had 12 disposals and took three marks. Alex Mirkov won eight hitouts and had five disposals, while Rob Monahan had six disposals and two tackles.Coaches MVP Votes
9 - Marc Pittonet (CAR)7 - Will Hayes (CAR)
6 - David Cuningham (CAR)
4 - Jesse Motlop (CAR)
2 - Jack Carroll (CAR)
2 - Nick Haynes (GWS)
Video
Round 16, 2024.
| CARLTON | 3.0.18 | 5.3.33 | 7.4.46 | 12.7 (79) |
| FOOTSCRAY | 2.4.16 | 4.7.31 | 9.9.63 | 13.10 (88) |
| Venue: | Mission Whitten Oval, Footscray. | |||
| Date: | Sunday July 14th, 2024 (12.00 pm). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 9 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Liam McMahon 3.1, Will White 2.0, Harry Lemmey 2.0, Jesse Motlop 1.0, Rob Monahan 1.0, Ashton Moir 1.0, Cooper Lord 1.0, George Hewett 1.0, Lachlan Young 0.2, Jack Martin 0.1, David Cuningham 0.1, Rushed 0.2. | |||
| Best: | ||||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: S. Durdin (38), L. Young (55), L. Young (33)HB: L. Prout (74), D. Akuei (41), R. Monahan (34)
C: G. Hewett (29), J. Binns (25), D. Cuningham (28)
HF: A. Moir (43), O. Fantasia (14), J. Motlop (3)
F: J. Martin (21), H. Lemmey (31), H. O'Keeffe (40)
R: A. Mirkov (45), C. Lord (36), J. Carroll (16)
INT: W. Hayes (59), N. Cahill (54), L. McMahon (52), W. White (77), O. Badr (72)*
EMG: A. Stevens (64), H. Gill (62), H. Ramshaw (51), Z. Maher (50), K. Ferronato (63), C. Verrell (71), L. Nelson (57), H. Nosiara (69)
IN: O. Fantasia, G. Hewett, J. Martin, H. O'Keeffe, L. Prout
OUT: C. Marchbank, M. Pittonet (AFL), B. Wilson (illness), Z. Maher, L. Nelson
Match Review
No match review compiled by Carlton FC.Smithy's VFL Match Review
Footscray moved a game clear in second spot on the ladder, but it was not without plenty of nervy moments as it held off a plucky Carlton by nine points at Mission Whitten Oval. George Hewett put on a football masterclass as the 19th-placed but strengthened Blues outfit took it right up to the second-placed Bulldogs, leading at quarter time and half time and still being nine points in front when Harry Lemmey kicked his second goal in the 14th minute of the third term. But the Bulldogs made the decisive break, kicking four goals in 11 minutes to end the quarter with a 17-point advantage before answering every challenge Carlton threw at them in a thrilling final term that had fans of both teams on the edge of their seats as Riley Garcia and Anthony Scott proved impossible to contain. Garcia (34 disposals, 10 clearances, 17 tackles, two goals) was unbelievable and it is hard to see how he doesn’t get back in the AFL team despite the Bulldogs’ great win at that level, while Scott (33 disposals, 10 clearances) and Caleb Daniel (29 disposals, seven clearances, nine tackles) put similar pressure on the selection committee. George Hewett (34 disposals, 10 clearances, 12 tackles, one goal) should be impossible to keep out of a Carlton AFL team that has lost its past two games, while Jack Carroll overcame an injury scare to have 30 touches, while Will Hayes continued his remarkable comeback with another 29 possessions. Liam McMahon kicked three goals to close within two of Billy Gowers in the Frosty Miller Medal race but faces at least one match on the sidelines after being cited for rough conduct on Jedd Busslinger.Coaches MVP Votes
10 - Riley Garcia (FOO)6 - Caleb Daniel (FOO)
6 - Anthony Scott (FOO)
4 - Sam Durdin (CAR)
3 - George Hewett (CAR)
1 - Lewis Young (CAR)
Video
Round 17, 2024.
| CARLTON | 4.2.26 | 8.5.53 | 16.12.108 | 20.13 (133) |
| COLLINGWOOD | 1.2.8 | 5.4.34 | 5.6.36 | 7.8 (50) |
| Venue: | Ikon Park, Carlton.. | |||
| Date: | Sunday July 21st, 2024 (11.05 am). | |||
| Result: | Won by 83 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | N. Cahill 3.1, Z. Maher 3.0, Jaxon Binns 3.0, Ashton Moir 2.2, L. Nelson 2.1, Alex Mirkov 2.0, Cooper Lord 2.0, Hudson O'Keeffe 1.3, Harry Lemmey 1.1, H. Ramshaw 1.0, Lachlan Young 0.1, Rob Monahan 0.1, Brodie Kemp 0.1, Rushed 0.2. | |||
| Best: | Jaxon Binns, X. Maher, Will Hayes, H. Ramshaw, L. Nelson, N. Cahill | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: B. Kemp (17), La. Young (55), Le. Young (33)HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), S. Durdin (38)
C: Z. Maher (50), J. Binns (25), N. Cahill (54)
HF: A. Moir (43), J. Martin (21), R. Monahan (34)
F: A. Mirkov (45), H. Lemmey (31), H. O'Keeffe (40)
R: M. Pittonet (27), C. Lord (36), H. Ramshaw (51)
INT: W. Hayes (59), L. Prout (74), L. Nelson (57), W. White (77), O. Badr (72)*
EMG: B. Lambert (80), H. Gill (62), J. Lefroy (79), L. Goonan (66), K. Ferronato (63), M. Lewis (58), A. Stevens (64)
IN: B. Kemp, Z. Maher, L. Nelson, M. Pittonet, H. Ramshaw, B. Wilson
OUT: J. Carroll, D. Cuningham, G. Hewett, J. Motlop (AFL), O. Fantasia (calf), L. McMahon (suspended).
Match Review
Blues' big win over Pies
The Carlton Reserves recorded a resounding 83-point win over Collingwood. - By Hannah Tomasoni.The Carlton Reserves redeemed themselves against Collingwood, turning a one-point loss in Round 3 to a resounding 83-point triumph at IKON Park. After a tight first half, the Blues took home their third win of the season with an emphatic third quarter, prevailing 20.13 (133) to 7.8 (50). Jaxon Binns (47 disposals, three goals) dominated the possession count, while Cooper Lord (23 disposals, seven tackles, two goals) was strong once again. Playing his 50th game for the VFL Blues, Ned Cahill also produced three goals, as did Zavier Maher.
Quarter one:
It was a quick start from Collingwood, scoring the first goal of the game following a Carlton turnover, but the Blues showed a great appetite to fight back. Playing across half-back, Heath Ramshaw pushed forward to get the first goal for the Blues, while good work on the last line from Dom Akuei led to Alex Mirkov scoring the next. Against former Carlton Reserves captain Ben Crocker, Brodie Kemp started strongly, with an intercept mark ending in Luke Nelson kicking his first of the game. With quarter time approaching, good movement from the Blues saw Harry Lemmey convert the last goal of the quarter, with the Blues taking an 18-point lead into half time.
Quarter two:
At the start of the second quarter, Collingwood came out with determination to regain the lead after a great first quarter from the Blues. Despite conceding the first two goals of the quarter, the Blues were once again able to respond, with good work from Brodie Kemp and Lewis Young ensuring the Blues could get the ball going their way. A goal to Ashton Moir from the pocket extended the Blues’ lead, while Zavier Maher and Jaxon Binns soon followed with clever goals to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Marc Pittonet was putting his stamp on the game in the middle of the ground, while Rob Monahan had some strong moments in the contest, as the Blues maintained a 19-point lead at the main break.
Quarter three:
While the second quarter was a tale of two halves, the third term belonged to Carlton. The Blues came out firing in the third quarter at IKON Park, extending the gap on the scoreboard in quick fashion. The milestone man Ned Cahill kicked two goals in two minutes, followed by Cooper Lord snapping truly from the pocket not long after. Jaxon Binns won a one-on-one contest in the forward pocket before slotting his second, while first use of the middle ended in another through Hudson O'Keeffe. The Blues’ defence stood tall when called upon, while selfless play saw both Jaxon Binns and Cahill secure their third goals - all of Cahill’s came in the same quarter - as Carlton piled on 8.7 to just two behinds in a commanding display. Cahill’s goal on the three-quarter-time siren extended the Blues lead from 19 to 72 points at the final change.
Quarter four:
Starting the last quarter, the Blues continued to push Collingwood and keep busy in their forward 50. Good work from Ramshaw ended in Maher kicking his third, before Ashton Moir and Cooper Lord both became multiple goalkickers with their second goals. The Blues had kept complete possession of the ball in their forward 50, as Alex Mirkov topped it off with another goal to extend the lead to a game-high 91 points. Although Collingwood continued to fight, the damage was well and truly done as Carlton recorded its biggest win and score of the season - despite leading goalkicker Liam McMahon missing through suspension - in an 83-point victory.
Smithy's VFL Match Review
Jaxon Binns exploded with a performance that normal people can only dream of as Carlton turned Josh Fraser’s 150th state league game as a coach into a nightmare in dealing out a record-breaking 83-point thumping at IKON Park on Sunday. Binns nearly broke Champion Data’s keyboard with a ridiculous 47 disposals, 13 marks and three goals as the Blues recorded their highest score and biggest win against the Magpies at IKON Park in this competition, snapping a 24-year-old mark in the process. In what was nominally a Magpies home match, Collingwood hung on to a 19-point deficit in the first half before the Blues burst out of the sheds with eight unanswered goals in the third quarter to turn the game into a rout. Zavier Maher (36 disposals, eight clearances, nine entries, three goals) and Will Hayes (35 disposals, 10 clearances, seven marks, five tackles) also stuffed the stats sheets in an effort to match Jaxon Binns’ prolific showing. Heath Ramshaw (24 disposals, one goal), Cooper Lord (23 disposals, two goals), Luke Nelson (22 disposals, two goals) and Archie Stevens (24 disposals) also did as they pleased, with Lachlan Young having 19 touches and 14 marks in his 50th VFL game and Ned Cahill picking up 19 disposals, six marks, seven entries and three goals in his 50th for Carlton. Rookie Harry Mahoney (22 disposals, two goals) was Collingwood’s best, with Jack Bytel (31 disposals, nine clearances) having a busy day and Fin Macrae (21 disposals, one goal) also doing well, with Mason Cox having 11 touches and 23 hitouts in his return from a knee injury.Coaches MVP Votes
Video
Round 18, 2024.
BYE
Round 19, 2024.
| CARLTON | 1.5.11 | 4.6.30 | 8.8.56 | 10,11 (71) |
| BRISBANE LIONS | 3.1.19 | 7.3.45 | 11.6.72 | 14.10 (94) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Saturday August 3rd, 2024 (11.05 am). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 23 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Harry Lemmey 3.2, Liam McMahon 2.1, Jack Lefroy 2.1, Zavier Maher 1.1, Luke Nelson 1.0, Will White 1.0, Ned Cahill 0.3, Alex Mirkov 0.1, Hayden Gill 0.1, Rushed 0.1. | |||
| Best: | ||||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: C. Marchbank (22), L. Prout (74), Le. Young (33)HB: B. Wilson (35), D. Akuei (41), J. Lefroy (79)
C: Z. Maher (50), J. Binns (25), W. White (77)
HF: R. Monahan (34), L. Nelson (57), N. Cahill (54)
F: A. Moir (43), H. Lemmey (31), L. McMahon (52)
R: A. Mirkov (45), C. Lord (36), J. Carroll (16)
INT: H. Ramshaw (51), M. Lewis (58), A. Stevens (64), H. Nosiara (69)*, H. Gill (62)
EMG: B. Lambert (80), C. Verrell (71), P. Dozzi (53), D. Hogg (70), O. Badr (72).
IN: J. Carroll, J. Lefroy, H. Gill, C. Marchbank, L. McMahon, H. Nosiara, B. Wilson
OUT: B. Kemp, J. Martin, M. Pittonet (AFL), H. O'Keeffe (hamstring), W. Hayes, La. Young (unavailable), O. Badr.
Match Review
No match review compiled by Carlton FC.Smithy's VFL Match Review
Brisbane Lions cruised to a comfortable 23-point win over Carlton at IKON Park on Saturday to put last week’s bad loss to the Suns behind them. Playing in their 200th VFA/VFL home match, the Lions kicked the opening two goals and were able to hold a persistent home side at arm’s length all day to record their highest score and biggest win in head-to-head matches. Deven Robertson (36 disposals, 13 clearances) and Jarryd Lyons (29 disposals, 13 clearances, nine tackles, two goals) again dominated for the visitors, as did Luke Beecken (25 disposals, 12 marks). Jack Manly (23 disposals, eight marks, one goal) had a career day and James Tunstill (20 disposals, two goals) impressed before leading the field on a stretched following an accidental collision with a field umpire that resulted in a head clash. Defender Lewis Young (23 disposals, seven marks) was Carlton’s best, especially after Caleb Marchbank was injured before half-time. Mid-season draftee Cooper Lord (27 disposals), Jack Carroll (24 disposals), Will White (21 disposals, one goal) also performed well, while at the other end it was Harry Lemmey who impressed with 16 disposals, nine marks and three goals. Dom Akuei had nine disposals in his 50th VFL game.Coaches MVP Votes
Video
Round 20, 2024.
| CARLTON | 3.0.18 | 6.1.37 | 10.3.63 | 16.5 (101) |
| GEELONG | 4.4.28 | 8.8.28 | 10.11.71 | 11.12 (78) |
| Venue: | GMHBA Oval, Geelong. | |||
| Date: | Saturday August 10th, 2024 (1.05 am). | |||
| Result: | Won by 23 points | |||
| Goalkickers: | Liam McMahon 7.0, Jack Lefroy 3.0, Luke Nelson 1.0, Zavier Maher 1.0, Hayden Gill 1.0, Ned Cahill 1.0, Jaxon Binns 1.0,Corey Durdin 1.0, Ashton Moir 0.1, Cooper Lord 0.1, Harry Lemmey 0.1, Hugo Nosiara 0.1, Rushed 0.1. | |||
| Best: | Liam McMahon, Cooper Lord, Dom Akuei, Zavier Maher, Alex Mirkov, Jack Lefroy. | |||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: M. Lewis (58), D. Akuei (41), La. Young (55)HB: B. Wilson (35), H. Ramshaw (51), R. Monahan (34)
C: Z. Maher (50), J. Binns (25), W. White (77)
HF: C. Durdin (19), L. Nelson (57), N. Cahill (54)
F: A. Moir (43), H. Lemmey (31), L. McMahon (52)
R: A. Mirkov (45), C. Lord (36), J. Lefroy (79)
INT: T. Travaglia (75)*, P. Dozzi (53), A. Stevens (64), H. Nosiara (69), H. Gill (62)
EMG: B. Lambert (80), C. Verrell (71), K. Ferronato (63), D. Hogg (70), O. Badr (72), T. Sruk (61),
IN: P. Dozzi, C. Durdin, T. Travaglia
OUT: C. Marchbank (concussion), L. Prout (unavailable), J. Lefroy
NEW: Tobie Travaglia, 17, 187cm, Sandhurst/Bendigo Pioneers
Match Review
Brilliant turnaround seals comeback win
Liam McMahon kicked seven goals and Cooper Lord shone as the VFL Blues produced an upset win. - By Hannah Tomasoni.What a turnaround. The Carlton Reserves prevailed against Geelong in Round 20, overturning a 101-point loss in Round 5 to a 23-point win at GMHBA Stadium. Down by eight points at three-quarter time, the Blues fought hard for a memorable comeback after trailing all day, ending in a 16.5 (101) victory over the Cats’ 11.12 (78). Liam McMahon - the team’s leading goalkicker - held onto that title by producing an incredible seven-goal performance, while Cooper Lord (30 disposals, eight tackles) and Zavier Maher (29 disposals, one goal) played vital roles throughout the game.
Quarter one:
The Blues had to rearrange some magnets in the lead-up to the game, with Jack Carroll and Lewis Young both coming out of the side as AFL emergencies with Jack Lefroy and captain Lachie Young replacing them. After last week’s loss against Brisbane, Carlton was quick to apply pressure coming out of the centre bounce, with Archie Stevens and the returning Corey Durdin in the thick of it. Great play down the wing saw Jack Lefroy kick Carlton’s first goal in response to Geelong’s opener, but it was the home side who took control of the game early. The Blues fought back with a goal from Jaxon Binns, and not long after they moved the ball down the field to secure another goal from Liam McMahon. A great smother from Michael Lewis stopped Geelong from extending its lead, as Carlton looked to keep its pressure game going. The Blues fought well, but the Cats fought to get the ball back and converted late, taking a 10-point lead into quarter time.
Quarter two:
After a close first quarter, the Blues gained possession of the ball and started to maintain control the game with a strong start out of centre bounce. A transition goal from Corey Durdin got the Blues off to a great beginning in the second term, with the team fierce in the contest to get the ball out of danger. In the absence of Lewis Young and Caleb Marchbank, Dom Akuei battled brilliantly as an undersized key defender, while an intercept mark from Heath Ramshaw provided great support. As Geelong looked to put its stamp on the game, an incredible rundown tackle from Corey Durdin shifted the momentum, with the Blues progressing the ball down the ground for Ned Cahill to kick his first. Hayden Gill also got on the scoresheet, but the Blues had to fight, with the Cats - looking to lock in a top-four berth – once again taking control. Will White produced a good smother while McMahon swung down back to provide some extra support, as the Blues went into half time trailing by 19 points.
Quarter three:
Continuing his highly impressive start to life at Carlton, Cooper Lord kicked the quarter off with a strong contest, getting the ball into the Blues’ forward 50 for McMahon’s second of the day. The Blues continued their pressure and determination to close the gap, with McMahon the danger man, kicking another two in two minutes to bring the Blues back within single digits. In one of his best games so far, Ashton Moir was working overtime in offence and defence, while more great defending - this time from Cahill – seeing Lefroy get his second of the day. The game turned in the third quarter, with the Blues recording four goals to two, as their defence held up brilliantly to regularly stop Geelong’s forward entries. Dom Akuei took a crucial intercept mark on the last line, while the Blues started to get on top in clearances, led by Alex Mirkov. At three-quarter time, Geelong’s lead had been trimmed to eight points.
Quarter four:
The Blues came out firing at the start of the last quarter, creating space and winning the ball regularly out of the contest. Lord, Zavier Maher and Alex Mirkov (21 clearances between them) were driving the Blues out of the middle, and McMahon was continuing to cause headaches for the Geelong defence with his fifth. Playing his first game for the year, Patrick Dozzi was busy and fought all day to get the ball back in the Blues’ possession, while a crucial defensive win for Rob Monahan - who started across half-back for the second straight week – was a pivotal moment. After Luke Nelson snapped truly after the Blues forced a turnover, they were back within a kick, before McMahon once again stepped up. The forward kicked goal six and then goal seven in quick succession - a career-high – before drawing another free kick, as Maher took the advantage to produce another. When Lefroy kicked his third, the Blues had five goals in 10 minutes, and all of a sudden had a 23-point lead, shocking the highly fancied Cats for the team’s fourth win of the season – and third in five matches.
Smithy's VFL Match Review
Mid-season recruit Cooper Lord was one of Carlton's best as the Blues produced a stunning fourth-quarter surge to beat Geelong at GMHBA Stadium. Cooper Lord had a team-high 30 disposals to go with eight tackles and six clearances and the Blues kicked six goals to one in the last term after trailing by 14 points shortly after three-quarter time. Alex Mirkov had a dominant day in the ruck, finishing with 45 hitouts and a game-high nine clearances. Ashton Moir was busy with 19 disposals and seven marks, while Jaxon Binns had 16 disposals and a goal. Small forward Corey Durdin kicked a goal from seven disposals. VFL-listed forward Liam McMahon was the matchwinner with seven goals to go with 11 disposals and eight marks, including three majors in the final term.Coaches MVP Votes
Video
Round 21, 2024.
| CARLTON | 4.3.27 | 6.5.41 | 10.7.67 | 12.13 (85) |
| RICHMOND | 4.2.26 | 9.3.57 | 12.9.81 | 14.10 (94) |
| Venue: | IKON Park, Carlton. | |||
| Date: | Sunday August 18th, 2024 (11.05 am). | |||
| Result: | Lost by 9 points. | |||
| Goalkickers: | Liam McMahon 2.2, Will Hayes 2.1, Ned Cahill 2.1, Jack Lefroy 1.3, Zavier Maher 1.1, Hayden Gill 1.1, Alex Mirkov 1.0, Bailey Lambert 1.0, Archie Stevens 0.1, Luke Nelson 0.1, Michael Rudd 0.1, Rushed 0.1. | |||
| Best: | ||||
| Reports: | Nil. | |||
| Injuries: | Nil. | |||
Team
B: M. Lewis (58), D. Akuei (41), L. Young (55)HB: B. Wilson (35), H. Ramshaw (51), R. Monahan (34)
C: A. Stevens (64), K. Ferronato (63), D. Hogg (70)
HF: J. Lefroy (79), L. Nelson (57), W. White (77)
F: N. Cahill (54), H. Lemmey (31), L. McMahon (52)
R: A. Mirkov (45), P. Dozzi (53), Z. Maher (50)
INT: T. Travaglia (75)8, M. Rudd (73), C. Verrell (71), H. Nosiara (69), H. Gill (62)
EMG: O. Badr (72), W. Hayes (59), B. Lambert (80), N. Barnes (75), L. Swaney (76), T. Sruk (61), O. Poole (70)
IN: K. Ferronato, D. Hogg, M. Rudd, C. Verrell
OUT: J. Binns, C. Durdin, C. Lord, A. Moir (AFL)
NEW: Michael Rudd, 19, 193cm, St Mary’s; Callum Verrell, 20, 188cm, Rowville.
Match Review
No match review compiled by Carlton FC.Smithy's VFL Match Review
Richmond saw off a last-quarter scare from Carlton to secure its Smithy’s VFL finals berth with a thrilling nine-point win in an exciting contest at IKON Park on Sunday. The Blues took just two AFL-listed players – untried pair Alex Mirkov and Rob Monahan – into the game, but it was the Tigers needing a backs-to-the-wall effort after Kane McAuliffe (shoulder) and Nick Guiney (concussion) were forced out of the game before half-time. Richmond made its move in that second term as its troops fell over, kicking five goals to two to grab a 16-point lead at the main change and maintaining that throughout the third quarter. A Ned Cahill goal after the siren gave the Blues the momentum and when Kristian Ferronato bounced through his first VFL goal with an off-break Nathan Lyon would be proud of and Jack Lefroy hit the target in the 13th minute the home side was in front. But the Tigers have been top 10 all year for a reason and they weren’t about to let that slip away, responding through Noah Cumberland – who had earlier given away a crucial 100m penalty – and Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal contender Sam Davidson to re-establish a 10-point break from where they were able to shut the game down.Maurice Rioli (17 disposals, eight tackles, seven inside-50s) may not have had huge numbers, but he was the difference when Richmond needed a hero. Rioli camee back on after having an ankle injury restrapped in the last quarter to have eight match-winning touches in the final 15 minutes, which included setting up Davidson’s match sealer and another shot the young goalkicker missed and laying a handful of brutal tackles. Thomson Dow (29 disposals, eight clearances) stepped up after McAuliffe went off, as did Tyler Sonsie (27 disposals) and Lachlan Wilson (18 disposals, two goals). Chad Harris (27 disposals, nine marks, 10 rebounds) was terrific off half-back, Davidson (20 disposals, six marks, two goals) ever dangerous in attack and Mutaz El Nour (19 disposals, 10 marks) blanketed Liam McMahon after he kicked two early goals. Late inclusion Will Hayes, however, was clearly best afield for Carlton, piling up 41 disposals, nine marks, 12 tackles, eight inside-50s and two goals in another stunning display that means he finishes his four-game cameo with averages of 35.8 disposals, 6.5 marks and 7.8 tackles. Draft contender Tobie Travaglia was a standout in defence with 22 possessions, Heath Ramshaw (24 disposals, eight marks) provided some exciting moments, Zavier Maher (25 disposals, one goal) was in fine fettle and Alex Mirkov (17 disposals, 25 hitouts, one goal) was the best big man on the ground.
Coaches MVP Votes
Video
Ladder end of 2024 VFL Home & Away Season.
| Pos | Team | Wins | Losses | Draws | Points | For | Against | % |
| 1 | Werribee Tigers | 15 | 3 | 0 | 60 | 1504 | 1067 | 141 |
| 2 | Footscray Bulldogs | 14 | 3 | 1 | 58 | 1654 | 1312 | 126.1 |
| 3 | Brisbane Lions | 13 | 5 | 0 | 52 | 1754 | 1467 | 119.6 |
| 4 | Geelong | 12 | 5 | 1 | 50 | 1537 | 1242 | 123.8 |
| 5 | Southport | 12 | 6 | 0 | 48 | 1515 | 1257 | 120.5 |
| 6 | Box Hill Hawks | 12 | 6 | 0 | 48 | 1465 | 1278 | 114.6 |
| 7 | Gold Coast Suns | 10 | 6 | 2 | 44 | 1652 | 1385 | 119.3 |
| 8 | Williamstown | 11 | 7 | 0 | 44 | 1404 | 1363 | 103 |
| 9 | Richmond | 10 | 8 | 0 | 40 | 1423 | 1342 | 106 |
| 10 | Frankston | 10 | 8 | 0 | 40 | 1283 | 1304 | 98.4 |
| 11 | Essendon | 9 | 9 | 0 | 36 | 1518 | 1586 | 95.7 |
| 12 | Sandringham Zebras | 8 | 9 | 1 | 34 | 1461 | 1401 | 104.3 |
| 13 | Sydney Swans | 8 | 9 | 1 | 34 | 1350 | 1322 | 102.1 |
| 14 | GWS Giants | 8 | 10 | 0 | 32 | 1439 | 1582 | 91 |
| 15 | North Melbourne | 8 | 10 | 0 | 32 | 1310 | 1490 | 87.9 |
| 16 | Port Melbourne | 6 | 12 | 0 | 24 | 1402 | 1511 | 92.8 |
| 17 | Casey Demons | 5 | 13 | 0 | 20 | 1358 | 1621 | 83.8 |
| 18 | Coburg Lions | 5 | 13 | 0 | 20 | 1216 | 1548 | 78.6 |
| 19 | Carlton | 4 | 14 | 0 | 16 | 1492 | 1657 | 90 |
| 20 | Collingwood | 4 | 14 | 0 | 16 | 1252 | 1645 | 76.1 |
| 21 | Northern Bullants | 2 | 16 | 0 | 8 | 1026 | 1635 | 62.8 |
2024 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 - Frankston 16.7.103 d Gold Coast Suns 14.16.100
2nd Wildcard Match - Williamstown 18.12.120 d Richmond 7.12.54
Week 2
1st Qualifying Final - Werribee 8.9.57 d Geelong 5.6.362nd Qualifying Final - Footscray Bulldogs 12.10.82 d Brisbane Lions 12.6.78
1st Elimination Final - Southport 30.15.195 d Frankston 16.7.103
2nd Elimination Final - Williamstown 11.14.80 d Box Hill Hawks 7.10.52
Week 3
1st Semi Final - Southport 13.9.87 d Geelong 7.16.582nd Semi Final - Brisbane 19.16.130 d Williamstown 18.5.113
Week 4
1st Preliminary Final - Werribee 10.6.66 d Brisbane Lions 6.10.462nd Preliminary Final - Southport 9.7.61 d Footscray 7.9.51