CARLTON has recorded a resounding return to winning form with a 46-point triumph over GWS.

Producing their second highest score in its history, the Blues’ dominant first half well and truly set up the 12.9 (81) to 5.5 (35) victory.

On a day which truly had it all, the Blues piled on the first 10 goals of the game unanswered until a half-hour delay due to lightning strikes saw the action grind to a halt.

When the game returned, GWS kicked five goals to two, but the damage was done for the Blues on a day where they lifted without injured captain and co-vice captain Abbie McKay and Mimi Hill.

While one McKay wasn’t out there, another immediately produced the goods to get the home side off on the right note in the annual AFLW Carlton Respects Game.

Snapping truly from the forward pocket, Sophie McKay was typically infectious with her energy with the first goal of the game, before the returning Tara Bohanna followed suit as the ball lived in Carlton’s forward half for the opening term.

If not for inaccuracy in front of goal, the Blues’ lead would’ve been much greater than 17 points at the first change, keeping the Giants scoreless while Brooke Vickers and Maddy Guerin (nine disposals each) saw plenty of the Sherrin.

In fact, the Blues’ appetite for the contest was so strong in the opening term that at one stage, Guerin even tackled her own teammate in McKay - before quickly realising what had gone on.

Carlton didn’t let up in the second term, with Poppy Scholz looking ever dangerous as an attacking option while Erone Fitzpatrick also hit the scoreboard in typical fashion.

Dayna Finn was everywhere in the quarter while Carlton’s backline held up well when called upon, as a late flurry saw the Blues take a 41-point lead into the main break.

When the two teams came back for the second half, Carlton’s foot was firmly on the gas.

In a rush, the Blues slammed home four straight majors, with Bohanna adding another two while Finn and the impressive Lily Goss followed suit.

The only thing that ultimately halted the Blues was the weather, with lightning strikes in the area seeing both teams come from the field.

GWS responded in kind when play returned, kicking a pair of goals before the three-quarter-time siren as the Blues failed to replicate their run and efficiency from prior to the break.

It mattered little come game’s end, with a pair of Poppy Scholz majors in the final term seeing the Blues fall just one goal short of their all-time record score in the 46-point win.

CARLTON             2.5     6.7     10.8       12.9 (81)

GWS GIANTS       0.0     0.2     2.3         5.5 (35)

GOALS

Carlton: Bohanna 3, Scholz 3, McKay 2, Finn, Fitzpatrick, Goss, Harrington