DESPITE putting up a fight in torrential conditions, the Carlton Reserves fell by four points to the Brisbane Lions at IKON Park on Saturday morning.

It was a tight match, with multiple lead changes as both teams fought hard for the contest. Scores were level late in the final term, but repeat entries to the Lions saw the visitors come out on top. 

Matthew Owies made a successful return from injury, collecting 17 disposals and three goals. Zac Fisher (32 disposals) was impressive in the midfield, while youngster Harley Reid (21 disposals, eight marks) showcased his skill and physicality in the wet. 

04:41

VFL R7 | All Carlton highlights v Brisbane

Watch the best of the Carlton Reserves in their Round 7 VFL clash with Brisbane.

Quarter one

The weather caused some slippery football and fumbles but Brisbane was able to take control, registering the first goal of the match. Fisher and Archie Stevens moved the ball well, creating scoring opportunities for the Blues, but they were unable to convert. Dom Akuei had some defensive highlights, as well as Lachie Plowman who was also aggressive in the backline. Matthew Cottrell took a mark inside 50, converting the Blues’ first goal 14 minutes in. The Blues had a bit more of the ball in the second half of the quarter, but the Lions did well at stopping them from hitting the scoreboard. Brisbane kicked a late major, seeing the Blues trail by nine points at the end of the first charge.

Quarter two

The rain stopped and started early on in the game, but the heavens opened at the start of the second quarter. Alex Mirkov started to get on top in the ruck, and the wet conditions allowed the Blues to find their feet with their contested style of play. Paddy Dow and Jaxon Binns started to get busy in the midfield, while Reid threw his weight around with some hard tackles. Cottrell secured his second goal of the match in driving rain, as slippery conditions made for some turnovers and fumbles. Liam McMahon converted a set shot, but the Lions quickly responded with a goal of their own which saw the Blues lead by one point at half time.

Quarter three

The rain finally settled down, and Brisbane came out hot, scoring a goal three minutes in to take back the lead. But as it was all game, the Blues responded, with a nice handball from Harry Lemmey to find Owies to collect his first goal from close range. The Lions booted a major, but Carlton were right there to return the favour, with McMahon kicking his second. Jordan Boyd began to intercept behind the ball, but the Lions were able to soccer one through late in the quarter, taking back the lead by four points.

Quarter four

Brisbane brought back the same pressure as they had in the first quarter, and started to take control of the footy early in the final charge. They kicked the first two goals bringing their lead up to 16 points, but the Blues started to pick up the pace. A beautiful kick from Reid found Ben Crocker who hit the scoreboard, before Owies snagged back-to-back goals to give the Blues the lead once again by a solitary point. Cottrell was combative in transition while Dow battled hard around the ball, before the ball started to live in the Lions’ forward half. In the final 10 minutes, the Blues struggled to create scoring opportunities, as consecutive behinds to the Lions meant the Blues fell four points short for the second week in a row. 

01:21

VFL R7 | Owies' three on return

Playing his first game in over a month, watch Matthew Owies' three goals in his first game back for the Carlton Reserves.

CARLTON RESERVES     1.1     3.6    5.10      8.11 (59)
BRISBANE LIONS          2.4     3.5    6.8        8.15 (63)

GOALS
Carlton: Owies 3, McMahon 2, Cottrell 2, Crocker

BESTS
Carlton: Owies, Fisher, Akuei, Cottrell, Reid, Dow

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.