THE CARLTON Reserves came out on top against Frankston on Saturday afternoon at IKON Park after a nailbiter fourth quarter saw the Blues win by three points. 

A rare sight late in the fourth quarter saw Lachie Plowman kick a huge goal to secure the win for the Blues. While the Dolphins pushed hard to take back the lead, some great defence from Lachie Cowan stopped them in their tracks.

David Cuningham (21 disposals) and Jack Martin (18 disposals) both had successful returns, while Jaxon Binns was best afield with a match-leading 34 disposals. VFL-listed Blues Ben Ronke and Aiden Mills kicked two goals each.

Quarter one

While there were some wet conditions around, IKON Park was lucky enough to see no rain. Frankston came out hot in the contest, opening proceedings by booting the first two goals the game. The Dolphins applied the pressure this quarter and saw a lot more of the ball, and while there were a few scoring opportunities for the Blues, they were unable to convert. Binns had hot hands on the Sherrin early, and Mills kicked the Blues’ first goal - and his first VFL career goal - 15 minutes in. After a slow start, Carlton picked up the pace as Michael Lewis snapped one in from just inside the 50-metre line to give Carlton the lead by one point. The Blues struggled to win clearances from the centre, as the Dolphins took control from here on in, kicking the next four goals of the quarter to see the Blues trail by 23 points at the first change.

Quarter two

Cowan began to get busy down back, while Caleb Marchbank took some strong intercept marks as Carlton’s defensive system held firm. Both teams struggled to hit the scoreboard in the early going, but some physical football saw both teams fight hard for the contest. The Dolphins’ inaccuracy in the early portion of the quarter gave the Blues a chance to capitalise, and that’s exactly what they did. Mills converted his second goal from a downfield free kick, and soon after, the ball found Hayden Gill who took a terrific mark just outside the goal square rewarding himself with a goal. Josh Honey’s hunt for the footy was rewarded with a major, while Domanic Akuei and Jack Martin made some hard tackles each and Binns continued to be busy between the arcs. Harry Lemmey kicked a much-needed goal for the Blues 27 minutes in, cutting the margin to only one point at the main break.

Quarter three

The Dolphins came out with some authority, scoring a goal to start the second half and extend their lead to seven points. David Cuningham, who worked his way into the game in the second term, moved the ball nicely, ending in a scrap in the goal square which saw Ronke gather, snap truly and level the scores. However, the Dolphins were right on the Blues’ tail, answering with a goal of their own once again. Fogarty saw a lot more of the ball, with his clean hands a feature, with Archie Stevens also getting involved and Hudson O’Keeffe taking control in the ruck. After the Dolphins did well at stopping the Blues creating attacking opportunities, a late soccer at the 27-minute mark stretched their lead to 12 points.

Quarter four

Carlton’s intentions were known early, as from the middle, Binns found Ben Crocker, with the captain kicking the opening goal of the term in the first minute. Frankston responded with a goal shortly after as both teams continued to fight for the contest, but conversion in front of goal remained an issue for either side. Fogarty’s pressure at the contest stood out while Luke Parks intercepted well down back. A burst of momentum for the Blues saw Ronke collect his second to cut the lead to just six points, before a number of other attacking opportunities were unable to hit the mark. It was left to the unlikeliest source to give the Blues the lead, with a huge kick from Plowman - tight on the boundary 50 metres from goal - nudging the Blues ahead at the 24-minute mark. The Dolphins started to push, but a great defensive highlight from Cowan saw the Blues hold onto their lead come the final siren.

CARLTON RESERVES        2.4     6.8     7.10       10.16 (76)
FRANKSTON                     6.3     6.9     9.10       10.13 (73)

GOALS
Carlton: Ronke 2, Mills 2, Crocker, Gill, Honey, Lemmey, Lewis, Plowman 

BESTS
Carlton: Binns, Crocker, Fogarty, Plowman, Honey, O’Keeffe

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.