IN PERFECT footy conditions, Carlton faced Port Melbourne at IKON Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues went down by 60 points as the Borough hunted a spot in the top six, 2.4 (16) to 12.4 (76).
Round 10 marked Nadia Von Bertouch’s 50th VFLW game. She has previously played AFLW level for St Kilda, while in her previous VFLW seasons she represented Sandringham and the Box Hill Hawks until she made the move to Carlton this season. Unfortunately, an injury to her hamstring saw her leave the field in the second term.
It was usual suspect Amy Trindade who led the way in the midfield, tallying 24 disposals, 13 kicks and 9 tackles.
From the backline, Steph Demeo gave it her all, rallying 15 disposals and 14 kicks while displaying her strong footy IQ and vision.
A combative first term with neither side scoring until the 10-minute mark as the ball constantly fluctuated throughout the ground.
As the term went on, the Blues found it difficult to get the ball deep within their forward half as the Borough continued to apply defensive pressure on the Blues.
Leading for the Borough to take the lead at the end of the first term, 0.1 (1) to 2.1 (13).
Port Melbourne continued the second term with dominance as Carlton were forced to play defensively.
Port Melbourne led marks 66 to Carlton’s 22 for the game, which was definitely an area of improvement for Carlton players to reflect on and refine in their review.
Despite the Borough's presence, the Blues created opportunities for themselves by connecting well throughout the ground.
Great vision from Octavia Di Donato led the ball to Matilda Fitzgerald, who got the ball to Tahlia Plunkett, securing the Blues' first goal.
Only moments later, both Plunkett and Sophia McCarthy created shots at goal, but the immense pressure brought by the Borough led to behinds from the Blues.
In what was an improved quarter for Carlton, Port Melbourne managed to maintain their lead coming into the second half, 1.4 (10) to 5.3 (33).
Coming off a competitive quarter, the Borough put the Blues under the pump from the get-go in the third term. The Borough’s speed and aggression caused decision-making errors for the Blues, which cost them at times.
After a challenging term, the Borough kept the Blues scoreless as they led 1.4 (10) to 7.4 (46).
Moving into the last term, the pressure was on for Carlton to put forward their last efforts.
Summer Hall didn’t go down without a fight, finishing off the game with her first goal of the season, making it her first goal at VFLW level.
Despite Carlton’s perseverance, Port Melbourne was able to boot five more goals to lock in their win, 2.4 (16) to 12.4 (76).
