Carlton has waltzed to a 52-point VFL win in Friday night’s curtain-raiser against an undermanned Sydney outfit, but made a surprise positional call while doing so.
Zac Fisher led the Blues to the comprehensive win, courtesy of 39 disposals and eight marks in a performance that could see a return to the AFL side not far away. Carlton kicked 10 goals to three after half-time to down the Swans at the SCG.
However, it was Jack Silvagni being trialed in defence which raised eyebrows. The 25-year-old has primarily been used forward and as a ruck option at AFL level this year, but playing his first game of the year in the reserves, Silvagni found himself in an unfamiliar position behind the ball.
Featuring in an intercept role, Silvagni gathered 26 disposals, 10 marks, and five inside 50s. Fellow axed Blue Lewis Young started the game forward before finishing down back with 18 touches to his name.
Paddy Dow (33 disposals, 12 clearances) and Lochie O’Brien (28 disposals, two goals) also had plenty of the footy, while former Bomber Ned Cahill and defender Jaxon Binns starred.
High fives all round! 😊
— Carlton Reserves (@CarltonReserves) May 26, 2023
Huge win from the Blues at SCG
- Fisher & Dow dominated the midfield
- Hat trick from Cahill
- 11 players hitting the scoreboard 😤 pic.twitter.com/nexEVB2MbQ
Jaxon Binns seals the deal for the Blues 🤝 pic.twitter.com/oCrvyNCPo2
— VFL / VFLW (@VFL) May 26, 2023
Angus Sheldrick and Dylan Stephens put up a gallant battle in the midfield for the home side in combining for 66 disposals, 18 inside 50s and 14 clearances.
But the second half suggested that Sydney’s injury crisis took a toll on performance, with too many names unable to influence the result.
The contest sets the scene for the AFL sides to take to the SCG at 7:50pm.