CARLTON took away its second VFLW win of the season to finish off Round 7.
In a well-performed game for the Blues built off hitting targets, creating connections and embracing the contest for the ball, defeating the Demons by 40 points in the 9.2 (56) to 2.4 (16) win.
Carlton came in with a strong start, when captain Octavia Di Donato kicked the opening goal only minutes into the contest. Di Donato was once again a strong force throughout the day with 26 disposals and 12 tackles, continuing her form throughout the season as a reliable player who relishes the defensive side of the game.
The Blues continued to pin the ball in their forward half as Evie Lee kicked her first goal of the season. This was followed by a great connection from Steph Demeo and Ellie Sbeghen, leading to Sophia McCarthy putting another goal on the board for the Blues to end the first term with a 17-point lead.
Coming into the second term, Carlton only continued their momentum with Lee - back in the side for the first time since Round 4 - kicking her second goal of the day, followed by Lucy Burke taking a fantastic contested mark which secured another goal.
From the backline, Nadia Von Bertouch was a force, using her height and ability to read the play and finish the game with 24 disposals and eight marks.
Newcomer Mia Fuller had a standout game, bringing her presence in contests and getting the ball moving for the Blues. In her third consecutive game for her new club, she showed why she’s cemented a spot in the back five, finishing the game with 16 disposals - 10 of those kicks.
By half time, the Blues led 5.1 (31) to 0.1 (1), and while Casey gave it their all in the final term, Carlton didn’t budge.
Emily Hurley ensured the Blues kicked things off right, kicking two goals within three minutes of the second half, before Tahlia Plunkett put another goal on the board just moments later.
The Blues’ ability to sustain the ball in their forward 50 was unmatched while their defensive pressure was also a highlighting, preventing the Demons from kicking their first goal until the third term.
The back five maintained their pressure while connecting well with the midfield, and after a 40-point lead at three-quarter time, Sbeghen kicked the Blues’ last goal of the day - and her first goal of the season - to round things off.
Carlton’s accuracy and ability to control the play - taking 58 marks to Casey’s 36 - allowed the Blues to play their desired style of footy, coming away with the 9.2 (56) to 2.4 (16) victory.
CASEY DEMONS 0.1 0.1 1.3 2.4 (16)
CARLTON VFLW 3.0 5.1 8.1 9.2 (56)
GOALS
Carlton: Hurley 2, Lee 2, Burke, Di Donato, McCarthy, Plunkett, Sbeghen
