THE CARLTON Reserves got themselves back on the winners' list at Preston City Oval, claiming a nine-point win over the Northern Bullants in Round 10 of the VFL.

Despite trailing by 25 points early in the final quarter, the Blues rallied to pile on six goals to one for the remainder of the match to claim victory.

Ben Crocker and Sam Philp were both a constant threat up forward slotting three goals each, while Will Setterfield impressed through the midfield with 23 disposals as well as eight clearances.

Quarter one:

It was a see-sawing opening quarter of the contest, with both sides trading blows in a free-flowing affair. The Blues got the first of the afternoon through a Zavier Maher set shot, before the Bullants responded with two quick goals. Ben Crocker’s 21st major of the season levelled the scores, but the Blues could only manage one more goal to the Bullants’ three for the remainder of the term: that came from a crafty Jesse Glass-McCasker snap that dribbled through the big sticks. Will Setterfield made a productive start with eight touches to the first break, while Ben Crocker added six disposals to his opening-quarter goal. 

Quarter two: 

The Bullants kicked the opener before Josh Cripps jagged his first of the day. The Blues then wasted plenty of opportunities, kicking six behinds to the Bullants’ one goal straight right up until the dying stages of the half. Ben Crocker was able to convert his second goal of the game after the siren to bring the Blues back within 11 points at the major break. Jack Martin was one of the Blues’ best to this point of the game, with some desperate efforts to smother and apply pressure a real positive of his performance. 

Quarter three: 

Sam Philp got the Blues going with a tidy finish to bring the margin back under a kick. After the Bullants responded, Cripps managed to gather a loose ball in the goal square to kick his second and keep the Blues in touch. However, the last two goals of the term both went to the Bullants and the Blues were left with plenty of work to do in the final quarter. Joel Trudgeon was proving to be a vital cog in the Carlton midfield, recording seven touches for the quarter in a game where he finished with eight clearances.

Quarter four: 

As Anakin Skywalker would say, this is where the fun begins. After the Bullants got out to a game-high lead of 25 points, the Blues flicked the switch. It started with Tom Williamson who snapped truly to bring the margin back to 19, then Philp kept the momentum going with his second. A few behinds later, the margin sat at 11 and when Ned Cahill dobbed his set shot the Blues were within a kick. Philp then kept his composure to slot his third and put the Blues in front, before the fun was halted momentarily as the Bullants responded to take back the lead. Enter Domanic Akuei. The defender turned match-winning forward floated across the pack to take a contested mark and held his nerve to put the Blues back in front. Crocker’s third major late in the match sealed the win.

Three things we learned:

1. Ben Crocker is one of the most dangerous forwards in the VFL competition. He could have had six or seven goals on Sunday, but he ended up with 3.4 to make it 23 majors for the season. His 23 disposals were a season-high for him as well.
2. Tom Williamson was as reliable as ever across the wing, collecting 22 disposals as well as laying six tackles. He was also sent to defence throughout the game to play as a loose man, picking up some important touches to counter the Bullants’ attacks.
3. Third time’s the charm. The Blues had lost two close games consecutively in their previous two matches but managed to stand up when it mattered in Round 10. After seven and four-point losses to Frankston and Sandringham respectively, made the nine-point win over the Bullants that little bit sweeter.

NORTHERN BULLANTS       5.0     8.1     11.4     13.6 (84)
CARLTON RESERVES          3.2     5.8     7.10     13.15 (93)

GOALS
Carlton Reserves: Crocker 3, Philp 3, Cripps 2, Cahill, Williamson, Glass-McCasker, Akuei, Maher

BEST
Carlton Reserves: Philp, Williamson, Setterfield, Cincotta, Martin, Radovanovic

Tarquin Oakley is a student at La Trobe University, undergoing his Bachelor of Media and Communications (Sports Journalism). He is currently undertaking an internship at the Carlton Football Club as part of its partnership with La Trobe University.