THE CARLTON Reserves were up for the fight against Richmond, leading to a nine-point victory at IKON Park on Friday night.

The scores were close all game, with both teams battling hard for the contest. Leading by two points at the end of the third quarter, the Blues were able to take home the win after a four-goal final term.

Sam Durdin had a successful return back after an injury sustained in Round 1, collecting 24 disposals and 14 marks in a best-on-ground performance. He was well supported by Brodie Kemp (29 disposals, 10 marks), who had another strong performance down back, while Ben Ronke scored two final-quarter goals.

Quarter one

The dewy conditions made for some double grabs and fumbles, but both teams came out with physical pressure. Paddy Dow registered the first major of the game from a clearance, before the Tigers followed with a goal soon after. Kemp was under fire down back, putting in the work to stop the Tigers’ attacking opportunities. Alex Cincotta had hot hands on the Sherrin, with Binns and Fogarty also involved, working the ball nicely down the ground. A late Richmond goal saw the Blues trial by 5 points at the end of the first charge.

Quarter two

The speed of Dow and Fogarty was on display early in the second term, both creating opportunities for the Blues to score. After a long-range goal from Richmond to open proceedings, Carlton began to generate scoring opportunities, but struggled to convert in the first half of the quarter. Durdin and Kemp took to the skies, both collecting crucial intercept marks to stop the Tigers from clawing their way to a greater lead on the scoreboard. Ned Cahill registered a goal following a nice assist from skipper Ben Crocker in what turned into a scrappy game, with both teams fighting for the contest. Carlton started to take control with back-to-back goals as Cahill converted his second and Fogarty followed suit with a beautiful snap inside the 50. Crocker responded quickly to a Richmond goal, giving the Blues a seven-point lead at half time.

Quarter three

Carlton had a slight lead, but Richmond made them earn every touch, applying physical pressure to stop the Blues’ attacks. Luke Parks and Fogarty brought the heat, and Binns continued to be busy in between the arcs. Alex Mirkov was dominating the ruck (51 hit outs for the match), as the ball largely lived in Carlton’s forward half without scoreboard return. Inaccuracy from the Blues saw them only register four behinds, giving a chance to Richmond to shorten the lead – and that’s exactly what they did. The Tigers scored the first and only goal of the quarter 24 minutes in, cutting the Blues’ lead to two points at the final change.

Quarter four

Three minutes in, Ronke registered his first goal of the game, soccering the ball through for a much-needed goal for the Blues. Dow and Patrick Dozzi did well to get the ball out of the middle, but the Tigers were able to apply the pressure to thwart the Blues going forward. Kemp and Durdin continued to be dominant down back and Dom Akuei took a terrific intercept mark to stop the Tigers in their tracks. Lemmey converted his  first goal of the quarter 16 minutes in, but the Tigers were quick to respond, booting a major to make it a nine-point game. Ronke secured his second goal at the 24 minute mark, and Lochie O’Brien followed with a snap directly after. However, as had been the case all night, the Tigers came again, booting two late majors in quick succession to cut the lead to just seven points. The Blues were able to steady, holding onto possession to register their second consecutive win come the final siren.

CARLTON RESERVES    1.4    5.7       5.11       9.14 (68)
RICHMOND              2.3         4.6        5.9         8.11 (59)

GOALS
Carlton: Cahill 2, Ronke, 2, Crocker, Dow, Fogarty, Lemmey, O’Brien

BESTS
Carlton: Durdin, Kemp, Dow, Cincotta, Fogarty, Mirkov

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