Matthew Watson was the star of the show in Carlton’s intra-club match today, booting six goals as his White team surged to a 53-point victory over the Blue team at Ikon Park.
Entering his fifth season with the Blues, Watson was a constant presence in the forward line alongside new Blue Liam Jones, who finished with two goals as the White team arrested its poor first quarter to run away to a 15.7.97 to 6.8.44 victory.
With 11 senior Carlton players missing - Andrew Walker, Bryce Gibbs, Matthew Kreuzer, Chris Yarran and Sam Docherty among them – the stage was set for the youngsters to shine.
And shine they did.
A noticeably fitter and stronger Patrick Cripps was a dominant force in the middle for the Blue team, while his teammate Dylan Buckley found plenty of the footy and booted two goals in a forward role.
New draftee Clem Smith showed plenty of zip, poise and skill in a more attacking role, while former Bulldog Jason Tutt displayed similar qualities on the wing.
A mazy 40m run and pinpoint pass inside 50 was the highlight for first-round draft pick Blaine Boekhorst, whose eye-catching speed was a constant threat.
Tom Bell was at his bulldozing best in the White team’s midfield, amassing disposals at will and adding two majors to his performance.
Star midfielder Dale Thomas was a consistent performer throughout the four quarters, while champion Chris Judd enjoyed a dominant first half.
A scare was sent through the Blues faithful in the early stages when Troy Menzel limped off the field with a corked quad and didn’t return, but Head of Football Andrew McKay later revealed he “would be fine” to take on West Coast in next week’s NAB Challenge opener.
FULL TIME: Blue 6.8.44 White 15.7.97 at Ikon Park, February 20, 2015.
Blue team: 5. Chris Judd, 7. Dylan Buckley, 9. Patrick Cripps, 16. Dillon Viojo-Rainbow, 22. Jason Tutt, 23. Lachie Henderson, 30. Blaine Johnson, 33. Andrejs Everitt, 34. Bradley Walsh, 37. Tom Fields, 39. Dale Thomas, 40. Michael Jamison, 42. Zach Tuohy, 43. Simon White, 44. Andrew Carrazzo, 47. Fraser Russell, 11. Sean Bolger (Northern Blues), 26. Kieran McGuinness (Northern Blues), 35. Glenn Strachan (Northern Blues), 36. Jarryd Coulson (Northern Blues), 38. Jordan Perry (Northern Blues), 46. Tom Wilson (Northern Blues)
White team: 2. Troy Menzel, 3. Marc Murphy, 6. Kade Simpson, 7. Clem Smith, 10. Matthew Watson, 12. Blaine Boekhorst, 14. Liam Jones, 17. Sam Rowe, 21. Nick Holman, 23. Kristian Jaksch, 26. Ciaran Sheehan, 27. Dennis Armfield, 28. Tom Bell, 19. Bill Gowers, 32. Nick Graham, 35. Ed Curnow, 36. Cameron Wood, 38. Ciaran Byrne, 39. Matthew Dick, 41. Levi Casboult, 9. Steve Murray (Northern Blues), 43. Joel Wilkinson (Northern Blues), 44. Garret McDonagh (Northern Blues), 46. Ty Armitage (Northern Blues)
GOALS:
Blue: Blue: Buckley (2), Tuohy, Henderson, Everitt, Johnson.
White: Watson (6), Bell (2), Jones (2), Armitage (2, Northern Blues), Smith, Boekhorst, Murray (Northern Blues).
