AFTER a back-and-forth game, the Carlton Reserves were left ruing another missed opportunity against Essendon in a Round 11 nailbiter.
With Sam Durdin and Dom Akuei returning in the Blues backline, the Blues produced their best football of the season in the first half, but were unable to keep their lead in the 16.5 (101) to 16.8 (104) defeat.
In his third game for the season, Jesse Motlop had his best game of 2024 (16 disposals, two goals) to be one of the Blues’ best. Kristian Ferronato (23 disposals) and Billy Wilson (21 disposals) topped the disposals chart, while Liam McMahon again was a focal point in attack with five goals.
Quarter one:
Essendon made a strong to the start of the quarter with a goal inside the opening minute through Dylan Shiel, before they added another for the first two of the game. Defensive marks from Dom Akuei and Sam Durdin relieved the pressure, starting a run for the Blues with Liam McMahon scoring their first. Continuing his good 2024 form, Will White was soon to hit the scoreboard, with the Blues showing their strength at the centre bounce to get the ball going their way. Soon, Carlton had complete control of the contest, with Bailey Lambert and Ned Cahill both kicking goals while Lewis Young stood up defensively. The Blues were able to maintain their pressure, with Harry Lemmey - who played permanently up forward – and Zavier Maher both kicking goals. White added another to make it seven in a row for the Blues, leading by 30 at quarter time.
Quarter two:
It was a consistent start to the quarter for the Blues, with Jesse Motlop drawing a free kick and kicking truly before McMahon added another. Captain Lachie Young was busy defensively as Essendon looked to find its way back into the game, before slick ball movement through the centre of the ground allowed McMahon to kick a third. It was a more back-and-forth contest in the second term, with the Bombers able to close the gap and put the Blues under more pressure. Carlton still had some great moments going forward, with Jaxon Binns pushing hard to an open goal. The ball spent more time in Essendon’s forward half, but a big contested win from the Blues late in the term saw Motlop kick his second just as the siren sounded for a 35-point lead.
Quarter three:
Back after half time, Essendon found their feet and started to lower Carlton’s lead. While the Blues’ determination was still high, they were unable to stop the Bombers’ run as the rain started to come down at Windy Hill. Three goals to Saad El-Hawli saw Essendon snatch the lead within 12 minutes of the third quarter, despite the best efforts of Caleb Marchbank and Logan Prout down back. Former Essendon player Ned Cahill stopped the run with the Blues’ first of the half, as they looked to work their way back into the contest and control the ball. Lemmey and McMahon responded when their team needed them with a pair of late goals, ensuring the Blues still had a lead of 12 points after the tide had turned.
Quarter four:
The slippery weather and high staked started to get to the teams in the last quarter, with the Blues starting to lose possession of their feet and of the ball. An intercepted mark from Caleb Marchbank and a great tackle from Luke Nelson brought confidence back to the Blues, allowing them to advance ball down the field for McMahon’s fifth to re-establish a 12-point lead. Playing on the wing, Ashton Moir worked hard defensively with six tackles, with the Bombers starting to press as they gained the momentum. Unfortunately for the Blues, consistent entries into the Bombers’ forward 50 saw the hosts break through, taking the lead at the 19-minute mark. The final 10 minutes was a dour struggle in a high-scoring game, with only one behind kicked in the final 10 minutes as the Blues fell just short.
ESSENDON VFL 2.2 6.4 13.5 16.8 (104)
CARLTON RESERVES 7.2 12.3 15.5 16.5 (101)
GOALS
Carlton: McMahon 5, Cahill 2, Lemmey 2, Motlop 2, White 2, Binns, Lambert, Maher
BEST
Carlton: McMahon, Ferronato, White, Cahill, Prout, Motlop
Photo credit: Tiani Photography
