THE CARLTON RESERVES had an exciting match up against Casey Demons on Sunday afternoon at IKON Park, winning by eight points.

The Blues were up for the whole match, but the Demons did not back down easy. In a nail-biting fourth quarter, Carlton led by less than a goal halfway through the term: however, just like their AFL counterparts the night before, they showed fight and grit to secure the win. 

Jordan Boyd had a successful return from suspension with 25 disposals and a goal in a best-on-ground performance. Jack Carroll put on a show in the midfield collecting 24, while Ned Cahill was once again active converting four first-half goals.

In his first game for over 12 months, Sam Philp made a successful return to action, emerging unscathed in the eight-point win.

Quarter one

Carlton came out with the momentum early but struggled to convert, and a tight contest made it hard for both teams to kick the opening goal. Lochie O’Brien was busy between the arcs, leading the disposals in the first quarter, while Sam Durdin was involved early in the backline, with help from Lewis Young and Luke Parks. Ben Ronke made an impression early staying active around the ball, rewarding himself by kicking the first goal of the quarter 10 minutes in. Boyd was dynamic behind the ball, before the Sherrin found its way to Cahill who snapped his first goal from the boundary line. While the ball lived in Carlton’s hands for most of the quarter, Casey recorded back-to-back goals just before the siren, seeing the Blues lead by two points at the first change.

Quarter two

Durdin continued down back, taking some big intercept marks to stop the Demons from hitting the scoreboard. Young read the ball well, and slick ball movement from the Blues led to a mark to Dom Akuei - who played up forward - who hit the scoreboard from a set shot. Josh Honey produced some physical football, making a few hard tackles, while Cahill and Liam McMahon converted back-to-back goals for the Blues. Some scrappy football in front of the Blues goal square saw Cahill soccer one in to collect his third. Like it was in the first, the Demons did not see much of the ball early, but they kicked back-to-back goals late in the quarter to cut the margin. Carlton responded swiftly, with Cahill booting another goal to make it four for the half. However, the Demons were right on their tail, converting another two goals just before the siren to cut the Blues’ lead to eight points heading into half time.

Quarter three

Captain Ben Crocker opened up the second term, using his speed to kick a clean goal. However the Demons came out with authority, kicking back-to-back goals in quick succession as had been the trend of the afternoon. The Blues had the lead the entirety of the match, but the Demons continued to push, keeping themselves in the game. Jack Carroll had some midfield highlights, producing scoring opportunities for the Blues, and Jaxon Binns was lively to start the second half, having hot hands on the footy. Boyd was dynamic all day, and converted a long-range goal at the 20-minute mark. The Demons had a few chances to try snatch the lead, but inaccuracy saw the Blues hold onto their lead by seven points leading into the final term.

Quarter four

Casey came out hot, but the Carlton defence did well to stop them from scoring with Lachlan Plowman, Boyd and Durdin all involved. The Blues found their way to the goal posts, with Ronke there to put it away and open up a handy gap. The Demons were able to respond shortly after, making for a tense end to the game. Durdin stepped up when it mattered, producing some solid defence and intercept marks, while Parks continued to impress and apply the pressure. After defending for the majority of the quarter, the Blues were able to rebound from the Demons’ attacking 50, before a free kick to McMahon saw him find Josh Honey for a crucial goal. In what was a nail-biter of a finish, Casey had a few shots on goal to close the game but couldn’t convert, seeing Carlton emerge with a big win at its home ground. 

CARLTON RESERVES     2.3     7.5     9.11       11.11 (77) 
CASEY DEMONS            2.1     6.2     8.10      9.15 (69)

GOALS
Carlton: Cahill 4, Ronke 2, Akuei, Boyd, Crocker, Honey, McMahon

BESTS
Carlton: Boyd, Carroll, Cahill, Durdin, Young, O’Brien