CARLTON'S first standalone VFL hitout has ended in an eight-point win against St Kilda.
Running out for the first time with AFL and VFL-listed players together, the Blues led from start to finish in an entertaining clash with the Saints.
Draftees Jack Carroll and Luke Parks shone in the midfield and down back respectively, while Michael Gibbons, Matthew Kennedy and Liam Stocker all had an impact around congestion and in front of goal.
Quarter one:
It was an even contest from the first bounce, with neither team able to lock the ball in their forward half. Matt Cottrell and Matt Kennedy did well with aggressive ball movement through the corridor, but the Saints' height around the ground gave the Blues problems. The experience from Eddie Betts was telling early, slotting two goals from set shots while providing headaches for St Kilda's defenders, while Michael Gibbons provided class and pace across the ground and Liam Stocker was handy in traffic. At the other end, Luke Parks’ height was useful in a key defensive post, while reserve-listed Aaron Gundry battled solo in the ruck as the Blues opener up a 15-point lead.
Quarter two:
The Saints kicked a quick goal to start off the first quarter, while reserve-listed Daniel Guccione played a combative role in the defensive half. St Kilda spent a lot of time in their forward half, putting the pressure on the Carlton defence, but the Blues were able to keep their goal opportunities to a minimum. Reserve-listed Zane Barzen performed admirably as an undersized key defender, with the Blues able to repel St Kilda's attack and move the ball quickly out of dangerous territory. In a quarter which the Saints were the more likely of the two sides, Ben Crocker got the ball rolling, scoring Carlton’s first goal for the quarter after a classy assist from Gibbons.
Quarter three:
The quarter was punctuated by Carlton's draftees, with Jack Carroll and Luke Parks coming to the fore with impressive solo performances. Carroll's class in congestion stood out, while Parks' ability to shut down his man as well as his aerial work being a highlight of the quarter. It was a quiet start to the quarter, with neither team able to convert as the ball went from end to end, before Gibbons was able to open up the scoring by slotting his second. Reserve-listed Cody Hirst was efficient across the wing and provided the heat with his tackle pressure, while another two goals to Matthew Owies (three for the day) saw the Blues make the most of their good work.
Quarter four:
It was a tight contest in the last quarter, with St Kilda bringing the margin back to five points with an early goal. Kennedy’s experience held the Blues in good stead through the centre, while Stocker played a strong contested game in the clinches. Carroll’s impact extended to the scoreboard as he kicked his first, but the Saints forward pressure saw them even up the scores halfway through the term. Owies turned provider for a classy Matthew Kennedy finish to once again open up a Carlton lead, with the Blues ending eight points ahead come the final siren.
Three things from the game
1. Jack Carroll showed plenty for the Blues in his first outing, providing class with ball in hand and snagging a handy goal in the second half. His clean ball work and run through the middle made him a stand-out player for the reserves side in their first hitout against an opposition.
2. Lukes Park in the air was a sight to see. His overhead marking and one percenters were important in the defensive half, with his aerial work in an undersized defence contributing to many of Carlton's defensive 50 exits alongside reserve-listed Zane Barzen.
3. It was the small forwards show in the forward 50, with Owies, Gibbons and Betts kicking multiple goals each throughout the game. The Blues' composure and smarts in front of goal held them in good stead through the majority of the game.
CARLTON 5.3 6.4 9.5 11.8 (74)
ST KILDA 3.0 6.2 7.6 10.6 (66)
GOALS
Carlton: Owies 3, Betts 2, Gibbons 2, Carroll, Crocker, Kennedy, Stocker
