THE CARLTON RESERVES fell short by six points in a tight match against Werribee on Saturday afternoon at Avalon Airport Oval.

The scores were level late in the final term with both teams battling it out in a physical affair, but it was Werribee who converted towards the end of the last quarter at its home ground.

AFL-listed players George Hewett (24 disposals, nine tackles) and Jack Carroll (23 disposals) had successful returns, having a big impact in their respective positions. Jaxon Binns was busy once again with 32 disposals, while Ned Cahill led the pack with two goals.

Quarter one

The afternoon brought some windy conditions, as the Sherrin couldn’t find its way in the goals. Werribee’s defence put the pressure on the Blues early, stopping their attacking opportunities. They had the speed and momentum on the counter attack, seeing the hosts boot the first major nine minutes in. Jaxon Binns and Jesse Motlop were busy early, with a scuffle in the Blues’ attacking goal square ending in Motlop soccering one through. Both teams traded goals, as George Hewett took to his return with some physicality around the contest and Ned Cahill kicking his first goal of the match in the midst of chaos. The Blues started to find their rhythm in the second half of the quarter, as Ben Crocker found Zac Fisher who converted from just inside 50 after pushing forward from half-back. Werribee was able to kick one just before the siren, seeing the Blues lead by one point at the end of the first term.

Quarter two

There was some scrappy football in Werribee’s forward half, but the hosts were able to kick a goal early on to take back the lead. The Blues had some attacking opportunities, but Werribee applied the pressure to thwart the team’s attempts into the breeze. AFL-listed Jack Silvagni showcased his defensive skills with some strong tackles and smothers on the ball, demonstrating the will and appetite for the contest from both teams. Werribee eventually hit the scoreboard from a set shot, despite the best attempts from Fisher and Lachie Cowan, who were solid in the backline. Youngster Blake Kuipers took a strong mark and rewarded himself with a goal, before skipper Ben Crocker followed suit directly after. A 50-metre penalty saw Werribee score from directly in front just before the siren, seeing the Blues trail by five points heading into the main break.

Quarter three

The Blues made the most of the breeze in the third term, as Harry Lemmey booted a long-range goal from the boundary line to start off the second half. Hudson O’Keeffe started to control the ruck, leading the hitouts with 25 for the match to continue his impressive recent form as solo ruck. Luke Parks and Lewis Young were combative down back, stopping Werribee’s attacking opportunities with a few intercept marks each. Binns continued to be dynamic in the midfield, alongside Cowan weaving his way out of trouble. Liam McMahon hitting the scoreboard was meant with an instant reply, before a late flurry from the Blues in the shadows of three-quarter time: O’Keeffe, Heath Ramshaw and Cahill would kick the next three goals, giving the Blues a 17-point leading into the final term.

Quarter four

Werribee came out with a burst of momentum, converting three minutes in. Their backline continued to apply the pressure, as they kept the Blues goalless for the quarter as the play lived in their forward half. Fisher and Binns kept busy, but quick back-to-back goals saw Werribee level the scores. Domanic Akuei took a huge intercept mark to stop Werribee’s chance at goal, not returning for the rest of the game but demonstrating Carlton’s willingness to fight for its third consecutive win. The last few minutes caused for some high-pressure football, as both teams fought hard to snatch the lead. But it was Werribee who were able to get one in just before the siren on the way to its ninth consecutive win.

WERRIBEE       3.3     6.6      7.9        11.10 (76)
CARLTON         3.4     5.7     10.8       10.10 (70)

GOALS
Carlton: Cahill 2, Crocker, Fisher, Kuipers, Lemmey, McMahon, Motlop, O’Keeffe, Ramshaw,

BESTS
Carlton: Binns, Hewett, Fisher, Young, Silvagni, Ramshaw