THE WEATHER conditions were tough at IKON Park, as on-and-off rain created a slippery atmosphere.

In this season's Pride Game, it was a challenging match, the Blues were defeated by the Falcons by 30 points, 2.4 (16) to 7.4 (46) to the away side.

Carlton came into the round with three debutants, including Mia Fuller, Kira Lemire and Mary Robinson. This is Lemire and Robinson’s first VFLW season, while Fuller has previously played for Geelong VFLW.

Round 5 signified the annual Pride Game between Carlton and Darebin, both teams represented the LGBTIQ+ community wearing rainbow socks, ribbons and guernseys. To begin the game, Carlton and Darebin gathered together to run through a joint Pride-themed banner.

The Falcons came into the game hard, creating connections from player to player throughout the ground, which led the ball to constantly be maintained within their forward 50, leading inside 50’s for the game 32-22.

The Falcons staying on top of the game generated their lead 2.1(15) to 0.0(0) at the end of the first term.

By the second term, Carlton were playing more aggressively, creating three shots at goal throughout the quarter.

Great vision from Octavia Di Donato found ruckman Grace Matser taking a striking contested mark inside the Blues' forward 50, creating a set shot at goal, unfortunately kicking a behind.

Only 20 seconds later, debutant Kira Lemire intercepted Darbein's kick out and took a rushed shot which, unluckily, was just touched off the boot.

Another 40 seconds later, Tahlia Plunkett took a difficult shot at goal from inside the pack, once again kicking a close behind.

The Blues created rapid opportunities for themselves, but unfortunately, were just unable to hit their targets.

Darebin led 3.1(19) to 0.3(3) at half time, which created a significant lead for the opposing side.

Throughout the third term, the Falcons managed to keep the Blues scoreless, but not without struggle.

Efforts from Hannah Scott didn’t go unnoticed with 17 disposals, 13 kicks and 9 tackles as she was all over the ball.

The fourth term turned out to be an incredibly competitive quarter, with goal after goal from both sides.

Amy Trinidade kicked the first goal for Carlton, making it her fourth goal of the season. Plunkett soon after took a goal out of the pack, slimming down the score margin to only 13 points.

Sophia McCarthy took a solid contested mark creating a set shot at goal, but the angle she was at proved to be difficult as she kicked a behind.

The Falcons were not making it easy for the Blues, kicking another three goals in the last quarter, which just created a lead that was too difficult to come back from.

An overall competitive game, Darebin proved a tough opposition, using their ability to hit targets, create space, and high precision leading them to take home the win.