Carlton marquee players Bri Davey and Darcy Vescio gave Blues supporters a taste of what to expect with assertive performances in Saturday night’s AFL women’s All-Star game.

Lining up at opposite ends of the ground, the pair featured in the winning side’s best players as the Western Bulldogs cruised to a 39-point win over Melbourne in front of 6365 fans at Whitten Oval.

Carlton priority selection Lauren Arnell also celebrated victory, rounding out a perfect evening for the Blues’ three representatives.

Vescio justified her billing as one of the premier female forwards in the country, booting three goals and assisting two others in a dazzling display. 

The 23-year-old’s highlight came in the third quarter when she gathered the ball with her back turned to goal before snapping instinctively on her opposite foot to bounce through a major. 


Darcy Vescio celebrates her stunning goal. (Photo: AFL Media)

Former Matildas and Melbourne City goalkeeper Davey was outstanding in defence, conceding seven centimetres to Sabrina Frederick-Traub but rarely letting her have an easy run at the football.

The 21-year-old used her goalkeeping background to advantage while manning the mark, dodging and darting to cause Frederick-Traub to spray regulation shots.

Arnell, who played an important part in Carlton’s bid for a women’s team, was a solid performer in midfield.

The Blues’ three recruits will commence pre-season in November alongside their future teammates in preparation for next year’s inaugural national women’s competition.

WESTERN BULLDOGS   1.3    5.3    10.5  14.6 (90)
MELBOURNE                   1.2    3.7     4.8     7.9 (51) 

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Hope 6, Vescio 3, Ashmore 2, Brennan, Lambert, Jakkobson
Melbourne: Harris 2, Frederick-Traub 2, Marinoff, Foley, Eva 

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Hope, Blackburn, Brennan, Chiocci, Vescio, Davey, Lambert
Melbourne: D.Pearce, Paxman, Foley, Harris, Donnellan, Antonio 

Umpires: Libby Toovey, Michael Pell, Jack Spencer

Crowd: 6365