IN perfect conditions the Game Changers successfully kicked off their 2018 AFLW campaign with an inspiring eight-point victory over Collingwood at a packed Ikon Park.

The Blues set up the win in the first half off the back of star signing Tayla Harris’ flying pack marks and new skipper Brianna Davey standing firm in defence.

We dissect the key stats that mattered most for the Blues in the season opener:

SHAE AUDLEY
Game-high 10 tackles

Despite only the five disposals, Shae Audley's hard work off the ball was exemplary.

The tough nut recorded a game-high 10 tackles and 21 pressure acts to help the Blues outmuscle the Pies in the pressure stakes.

GAB POUND
Team-high 9 contested possessions

Contested ball-winning machine Gabriella Pound continued right where she left off last year. The 23-year-old claimed a team-high nine contested possessions. Her ruthless attack on the footy and applied pressure from her 10 intercepts played a pivotal role in the Blues' victory.

NICOLA STEVENS
Team-high 260m gained

Star recruit and former Magpie Nicola Stevens made an instant impact in the navy blue, accumulating a team-high 260m gained to go along with her 11 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency.

POST-MATCH: Nicola Stevens speaks to Carlton Media

TAYLA HARRIS
Team-high 5 marks

Six opening-term possessions, a wonderful contested mark and goal by Tayla Harris in her Carlton debut set the tempo early on at Ikon Park.

BRIANNA DAVEY
Team-high 10 uncontested possessions

Skipper Brianna Davey led by example in her first game as captain, recording a team-high 16 disposals (10 uncontested) and four marks. Her enormous presence held the team together in the clutch moments.

The Blues will look to back up their opening-round victory when they fly interstate to Drummoyne Oval to take on the GWS Giants on Friday night.