DESPITE their best efforts, the Blues were defeated at the hands of the Bombers by 27 points, 7.7(49) to 3.4 (22).
It was a competitive first term where the ball continuously fluctuated in both teams' forward 50’s.
Essendon’s forward line used their ability to stay in front which led them to score early in the first term.
Captain Octavia Di Donato once again proved to be a reckoning force with her ability to break through the crowd and lay hard tackles, tallying 14 tackles for the game.
AFLW-listed Amelia Velardo was all over the ground throughout the game, having shots at goal as well as being a key defender in the match, gathering 18 disposals which included 14 kicks.
As the ball continuously swung around the ground, Lucy Burke saw her opportunity and kicked a goal out of a pack, making it her first goal of the day to finish off the quarter.
With the first term finished, the scores were neck and neck with only a one-point difference, 1.2(8) to 1.1(7) to the Bombers.
Essendon came out firing in the second term, locking down the ball in their forward half which led to two consecutive goals.
Amy Trinidade was a standout with 22 disposals, including 14 kicks. The midfielder was able to run the ground while playing defensively to clear out the ball, with six clearances for the day.
A tough second term led to Blues being kept scoreless, 3.4(22) to 1.1(7) to the Bombers.
Essendon continued their momentum with two goals within the first two minutes of the third term.
Sophia McCarthy clapped back with a ripping goal only moments later, kickstarting the Blues’ second half.
Defensive efforts saw Hannah Bowey and Steph Demeo getting hands to the ball blocking Essendon's goal attempts.
Coming into the last term, the Blues upped their pressure creating multiple shots at goal.
Tahlia Plunkhett laid a slamming tackle inside Carltons forward 50 which generated a free kick at goal, but unfortunately kicked a behind.
The Bombers ability to hit targets and keep pressure hurried the Blues, creating rushed kicks which were unable to hit targets.
Burke played with a strong presence in the final term, securing a contested mark to slot the last goal of the game.
Unfortunately, the effort wasn’t enough from Carlton, going down 7.7(49) to 3.4(22) to Essendon, who maintained the ball within their forward 50 for the day, as they led the inside 50s 33-26.
Though it proved to be a tough game for the Blues, AFLW-listed Brooke Vickers had a standout game proving to be a strong influence, tallying 23 disposals, 12 handballs, 13 kicks and ten tackles.
Carlton continues their season at IKON park next Saturday 17 May at 12:35pm (AEST) against Darebin.
