TAKING on a strong Thunder outfit, it wasn’t meant to be for the Blues' VFLW team on Saturday afternoon, struck down by 36 points at Rams Arena – 2.3.15 to 8.3.51.

Braving freezing conditions and strong winds, the scrappy affair eventually opened up for the Northern Territory Thunder, who kicked the first five goals of the game.

Proving why they’re still unbeaten this season, the visiting team adapted to Carlton’s pressure and took their opportunities in front of goal.

With only seconds remaining in the second quarter, Caroline Hardeman slotted the Blues’ first major of the afternoon. After taking a mark 60m out, a 50m penalty saw her kick the goal from the top of the goal square.

Carlton returned from the half-time break with a renewed sense of intent. In the first passage of play, Breann Moody tapped the ball straight to Sophie Li who bombed it into the Blues’ attack; terrific forward pressure then resulted in a captain’s goal for Kristi Harvey.  

After recording consecutive majors, the Thunder then struck back, hitting the scoreboard to finish with eight goals.

Although it wasn’t the result the team was after, VFLW senior coach Shannon McFerran said she was proud the players fought it out until the final siren against quality opposition.

“The Thunder are a really talented side, but the girls stood up really well and it was pleasing to see their fight. I was happy with how we set up defensively and we were able to limit their score,” McFerran said.

“We had plenty of it up forward and it sat there for a couple of minutes at a time, but just our ability to score ourselves wasn’t there today – it’s something we will work on.”

With blustery conditions playing havoc with the ball, McFerran said they tried to use the wind to their advantage.

“We spoke about the wind and how we could use it to our advantage, which we did at times – I think we defended well against the wind," she said.

McFerran praised the performances of Tilly Lucas-Rodd, who played on the wing, and Moody for her efforts in the ruck, while also noting the exceptional leadership of the team’s captain Harvey.

The coach acknowledged next weekend’s Round 7 clash would provide another challenge for the Blues, who take on Collingwood on Saturday afternoon.

“Again, tough opposition, they have had a good run recently so we will have a look at their game and see where they are at,” McFerran said.

“If we can tie it all it together, find some consistency and hit the scoreboard we will be able to improve on our performance.”

The Blues wore black armbands to recognise the passing of defender Akec Makur Chout’s older brother who recently passed away in South Africa.

FINAL SCORE

Carlton: 0.2   1.2   2.3    2.3    (15)
NT Thunder: 2.0   5.1   7.3   8.3   (51)

Goals: C. Hardeman, K. Harvey

Injuries: Nil