CARLTON'S reserves side has recorded an emphatic 28-point win over Richmond in Thursday afternoon’s practice match. 

As they prepare for the 2021 VFL season, the Blues showed many promising signs with a mix of AFL and VFL-listed players working well together to record a morale-boosting win over a well-structured opposition. 

Zac Williams was at his dominant best for the Blues, while Matthew Kennedy and Matthew Cottrell also played important roles in the win. 

First quarter: 

It was an emphatic start for the Blues, who made the most of the breeze to dominate play early. Eddie Betts was lively playing up forward, kicking two goals and providing even more opportunities for his fellow forwards with his attack on the ball and tireless groundwork. Matthew Cottrell used his elite fitness to cover the ground and provide plenty of run as the Blues transitioned from defence to attack. Young Blue Jack Carroll was also impressive in the first quarter, showing signs of a classy footballer in the making. Carlton would hold Richmond goalless in the first term to take a 23-point lead into the first break, registering nine scoring shots to one.

Second quarter: 

An early goal to Matthew Kennedy helped the Blues pick up where they left off in the second quarter. Liam Stocker also finishedd in a style that would have made Lionel Messi pay attention to help the Blues kick out to a 28-point advantage. However, it would be Richmond that would dominate the majority of the play for the term, kicking back-to-back goals to cut Carlton’s lead to just 16 points at the main break. Zac Williams was impressive during the quarter, helping the Blues slow the rampaging Tigers through his contested ball work in the middle and his ferocity in defence. Luke Parks also stood tall in the backline to ensure Carlton would hold their lead heading into the main break.

Third quarter:

It was a fast start as the Blues looked to take advantage of the breeze once again, with Matt Owies continuing his impressive pre-season form to open the Blues’ account for the term. The Tigers were quick to respond, however, putting the pressure right back on the Blues, piling on consecutive goals to level the scores. Things were looking nervy until a strong mark and even better finish from Ben Crocker gave the Blues a bit of breathing space. The Blues put the big guns to work with Matt Kennedy, Zac Williams and Liam Stocker all making their presence felt in the middle. An important goal to David Cuningham helped the Blues take an eight-point lead into the final break. 

Fourth quarter: 

It was a fiery start to the fourth quarter as both teams looked to assert early dominance. A combination of high-flying marks to Luke Parks and Matt Kennedy would eventually result in Crocker’s second goal for the afternoon, before some swift play by Toby Wooller saw the Blues extend their lead to 19 points early in the quarter. From then, the game was very much played in the Tigers’ forward half, with their constant pressure eventually rewarded on the scoreboard. Impressively from Daniel O'Keefe's point of view, the Blues were able to wrestle back control as the quarter progressed, with VFL-listed player Matt Shannon controlling the backline unit to help steady to the ship. Corey Durdin showed class with a great chase-down and tackle to win a free kick, before running hard to the goal square to nail a goal. A long-range goal from Matt Cottrell saw the Blues finish the quarter with five goals to one and register a 28-point win. 

Three things from the game: 

1. The Blues will take confidence from the depth developing on the list. The likes of Matthew Kennedy, Matthew Cottrell, Jack Carroll and Liam Stocker all played important midfield roles in the impressive win. 
2. Unfortunately for reserves coach Daniel O’Keefe, it will be the first and last time he sees talented recruit Zac Williams available for selection. Williams was a step above of the other players on the field despite some extra attention from the opposition. Williams was influential playing across just about every position on the ground. and he stood up whenever the Blues were challenged to help them regain control and win the ball around the ground.
3. The VFL-listed Toby Wooller stood up when the team needed him the most. After ruck Aaron Gundry suffered a minor injury, Wooller filled a make-shift ruck role and was a key part of the Blues’ ability to win the ball out of the middle of the ground. The ex-Lion would also kick an important goal to sway back momentum when the Tigers were pushing in the final term. 

RICHMOND           0.1       3.3        8.4             9.9 (63)
CARLTON               3.6       5.7        8.12          13.13 (91)

GOALS
Carlton: Crocker 3, Betts 2, Cottrell, Cuningham, Durdin, KennedyOwies, Parsons, Stocker, Wooller

BESTS
Carlton: Williams, Cottrell, Kennedy, Stocker, Betts, Wooller, Delaney, Stoddart