A history-making match in a very special round.
This weekend, Carlton will celebrate Indigenous Round at IKON Park when it faces Port Adelaide for the first time in the competition’s history.
On the back of a win by the narrowest possible margin at ETU Stadium, the Blues will be on the hunt for their opening home victory of season seven when they come up against a hungry Port outfit.
As the Game Changers prepare for another bout against new opposition, this is what to expect, what to look forward to and what to be wary of leading into Round 3.
What to watch:
The Blues will be looking to build momentum following a thrilling one-point win over Essendon in Round 2, reciprocating the positives shown while also working on the areas for improvement which crept into the team's game in the final quarter.
Carlton has enjoyed a strong record against first-time opposition in recent years, but will have to be wary of the threat that Port Adelaide poses in its search for the club's first win in the AFLW competition.
The key aspect of Sunday's fixture will be the Game Changers' ability to impart their style of play on the contest, with AFLW Senior Coach Daniel Harford lauding his team's capacity to get the game on their terms for three quarters against the Bombers last week after frustration in the season opener.
It'll be no surprise that the Blues will be aiming to get the ball in the hands of Darcy Vescio, who has been the hot hand across the season's opening fortnight with four goals to their name. Of course, the star forward won't be alone, with new faces Phoebe McWilliams and Keeley Skepper looking to continue their bright starts to life in the Navy Blue.
There's the added element of a triple milestone which the Blues will want to mark in the right way, with Breann Moody (all in Navy Blue), Elise O'Dea (previously at Melbourne) and Jess Dal Pos (previously GWS) all looking to end their 50th AFLW games with a second consecutive victory.
An eye on the opposition:
Port Adelaide are yet to secure the four points in its inaugural season, but have shown plenty of promise in a narrow two-goal loss to the Eagles in Round 1, followed by a more challenging clash with the Bulldogs in which they went down by 19 points.
Pressure around the ball has become their trademark, led by former Lion Maria Moloney, who has continued to build her reputation as a contested-ball magnet.
Rising Star nominee Abbey Dowrick will be another for the Blues to keep an eye on, with the young gun earning the plaudits for her debut performance, gathering 21 disposals, seven clearances and taking seven marks.
While a young side, with eight players debuting in their Round 1 fixture, they’re certainly not lacking leadership – steered by captain Erin Phillips and vice-captain Ange Foley, who both crossed from the Crows after their season six premiership.
The Power will be without their spearhead Gemma Houghton, who suffered a syndesmosis injury in Round 2, leaving them to find new avenues to goal.
Last time we met:
For the second time in as many weeks, the Blues will face off against a side for the first time in the competition’s history.
That’s not to say that there won’t be any familiar faces on the field – none more so than Phillips. She’s joined by fellow former Crows in Foley and Justine Mules, as well as ex-Lions Moloney and Indy Tahau plus former Gold Coast captain Hannah Dunn.
Inaugural Carlton AFLW captain Lauren Arnell will also return to IKON Park – this time as Port Adelaide’s inaugural head coach.
Game details:
IKON Park
Sunday 11 September, 12:10pm
Broadcast live on Channel 7, FOX Footy, AFLW app and Kayo.
Tickets can be purchased here.
