CARLTON have claimed their first win this season in a nail-biter over the Southern Saints.

Leading the game from the first quarter, the Blues were able to keep their kicking straight, only recording three behinds. 

Ashlee Thorncroft recorded nine tackles, seven of which were in the first half, while Millie Klingbeil had another best-on-ground performance, gathering 18 disposals and a goal. 

The pair of AFLW-listed Charlotte's held up both ends of the ground, with Hammans slotting two goals and Wilson providing rock-solid defence. 

Quarter one

Both sides struggled to penetrate the defence to begin the quarter in what was a tight arm-wrestle. Poppy Schaap then laid a strong tackle deep in the Blues’ forward 50 and was duly rewarded, resulting in a set shot at the top of the square, where she kicked truly for the first goal of the contest. The Saints continued to press however, but they weren’t able to capitalise on their opportunities with only four behinds to show for their tidy play.

Quarter two

As the second term began it was more of the same, with the Saints piling on the pressure and forcing their way through the defence for their first goal. Carlton seemed to flip a switch as a result, with consecutive clearances from the midfield allowing fast ball movement, facilitating two quick goals from Schaap and Millie Klingbeil respectively. The scoreboard was reflective of the balance of play, with the sides sharing the four goals evenly.

Quarter three

Carlton started strong out of the main break, with a strong transition play resulting in a Charlotte Hammans’ goal after she nailed her kick on the run from a 45-degree angle. The ball began to live in Carlton’s forward half thanks to the performances of Klingbeil, Lauren Brazzale and Ashlee Thorneycroft, who were racking up the possessions and tackles respectively. The Blues were unable to take advantage of their dominance and at the final change, they were only seven points ahead, despite how the quarter played out.
Carlton 4. 1. 25   Saints 2. 6. 18

Quarter four

The last quarter began as a far more open affair, with both sides able to string passes from defence to attack, but it was the Blues who were able to convert into a goal as Hammans found herself alone in the goal square. Their new buffer didn’t last long though, as Saints came up with an instant reply thanks to some individual genius from Tayla Kearns. The game continued to present opportunities, however with fatigue setting in, both teams struggled to take them. As the quarter entered its last minutes, Carlton showed some courageous defending, especially from the likes of Annie Lee and Vanessa Murphy. The Blues were able to hold the Saints off and record their first victory of the season.

Match summary 

Carlton  1.0    3.0    4.1    5. 3  33
Saints    0.4    2. 4.  2.6    3.7  25

Goals: Schapp 2, Hammans 2, Kleingbeil 
Best: Goss, Murphy, Honybun, Schaap

Stafford says:

“I was really, really proud of the girls, they responded after last week against quality opposition today.
"I think the girls in a tight physical game really implemented the game plan and I’m proud of their efforts.”