AFTER a slow start, the Carlton Reserves fell short against reigning premiers Gold Coast in Round 9 VFL action.
With Jesse Motlop returning from injury, the Blues were unable to get going to start proceedings, ultimately falling short in the 7.10 (52) to 15.12 (102) defeat.
Archie Stevens (23 disposals) and Jaxon Binns (25 disposals) led the disposal count throughout the game, while Will White performed strong in the forward half, kicking three goals for the Blues.
Quarter one
The Round 9 home game at IKON Park saw the Blues unable to stop Gold Coast’s momentum in the early going, whose confidence and determination saw them dominate proceedings to start. Despite strong defensive efforts from the returning Sam Durdin, co-captain Lachie Young and 50-gamer Ned Cahill, the experienced Suns were able to pile on seven unanswered goals, with the Blues unable to get on the board as the likes of Rory Atkins, Brayden Fiorini and Brandon Ellis got busy. At quarter time, the Blues trailed by 44 points.
Quarter two
Looking for a response, Heath Ramshaw had a strong start to the term at the centre bounce, hoping to change the outcome of the first quarter where the Suns dominated clearances. Lewis Young intercepted well down back while Luke Nelson forced a turnover, ending with a returning Motlop kicking the Blues’ first of the game. Will White followed that up with Carlton’s second in the space of three minutes, while Dom Akuei had some promising moments behind the ball as the Blues looked to work their way into the game. There were some more positive moments in attack for the Blues, who got themselves back within 24 at the siren sounded for half time.
Quarter three
After keeping the Suns goalless in the second term, the Blues looked to once again come out firing, with Lachie Young defending aggressively down back. The Suns responded from the second quarter, dictating the early part of the third term with four goals, but - following a 50-metre penalty - White was able to kick his third goal for the game. A young Blues outfit continued to fight, with Zavier Maher and Luca Goonan working hard around the ball, while Hayden Gill broke through in the closing stages of the quarter on the scoreboard as the Blues trailed by 38 points.
Quarter four
The Blues were improved in the contest and were able to gain possession, but couldn’t break through in the early going of the final term. Experienced key forwards for the Suns in Levi Casboult and Sam Day were providing headaches all day, but at the other end, Liam McMahon stood up, registering back-to-back goals in the opening 10 minutes of the term. Ramshaw’s determination at the contest didn’t waver, but the Blues were left to rue some missed opportunities going forward after three straight behinds, with the Suns kicking the final three goals of the game to record a 50-point win.
CARLTON RESERVES 0.2 3.5 5.7 7.10 (52)
GOLD COAST 7.4 7.5 11.10 15.12 (102)
GOALS
Carlton: White 3, McMahon 2, Gill, Motlop
BESTS
Carlton: White, Prout, McMahon, Maher, Goonan, La.Young
