UNIVERSAL love.

The energy was palpable at IKON Park on Saturday night, when Carlton produced a 46-point win in the semi final against Hawthorn.

For Mia Austin and the Blues, it was a byproduct of all the hard work that has gone into the process not only throughout 2025, but in the last three years.

This season has been the campaign where things have come to life for the Blues, but it’s been a consistent approach under AFLW Senior Coach Mathew Buck which has led the Blues to where they are now.

In Austin’s mind, the way in which Saturday night panned out was a reflection of the team’s connection both on and off the field.

“Love has been such a big thing for us this year,” Austin told Carlton Media post-match.

“Goal after goal, the love everyone has for each other - we fed off that. For the past three years, we’ve been building and building - the team has put in so much hard work, it’s reward for effort.

“We enjoy it, we’re silly, we have fun which is great - but then when we get out on the track, everyone is so eager to get to work and get after it again.”

Austin has returned to the Carlton side in the last fortnight, with Saturday night another example of a Blue coming into the side and performing their role.

There were two goals for Austin herself, but it was her ability to provide a further aerial target in attack which troubled Hawthorn’s defenders as the Blues piled on 11 goals from seven individual goalkickers.

Playing just one game in the final eight weeks of the home-and-away season prior to her elimination final recall, Austin - like a number of other Blues - has had to stay ready.

“All year, I’ve tried to keep working and get after what I need to get after.

“I was so grateful to have the opportunity: I had a role to play last week and this week, so I was keen to get out there and execute that.”