Carlton VFLW nudged out Geelong by six points in a tightly-contested practice match at IKON Park on Saturday afternoon, the final score reading 6.2 (38) to 4.8 (32).
A slow start gave way to a nail-biting finish after the Cats took the early lead, controlling much of the game in the opening term. Despite their efforts around the contest, the Blues struggled to convert their opportunities early.
However, the second quarter saw a shift in Carlton’s energy as it took the lead following some well-judged passages of play, directly translating into a cracking goal from a tough angle by Alessia Acquaro.
Defensive efforts remained crucial, with a goal-saving touch on the line from Grace Matsa denying Geelong another goal. The hosts worked tirelessly with quick hand-passes and squeezed in a goal after the siren to keep them in the game headed into half-time.
Relentless defence set the tone for the second half as the Blues built the pressure across the ground, resulting in multiple goals. Thalia Plunkett was prolific, hitting the scoreboard as Carlton took the lead for the first time. The third-quarter remained close as neither side was able to break away, with scores level leading into the fourth quarter.
The final term was a high-pressure affair, but the Blues were able to use this to their advantage, increasing their speed around the ground. The scoreboard remained equalised, but not for long, as the ball landed neatly in the hands of Mia Fuller, for a pristine goal to inch the blues back in front.
The intensity remained as the Cats once again levelled the scores, but the Blues made quick work, delivering yet another goal to break the deadlock. After that, there was no chance of of the Blues allowing Geelong mount a late attack.
Carlton VFLW coach Aasta O'Connor praised the side's resilience throughout the practice clash and was “proud of the grit…to wrestle back late, change the momentum, and hold on for the win” against "a great contest team".
"Our players have chased hard, have high performance behaviours and this is what that looks like," O'Connor said.
"Watching them put into place the things we've been working on over the summer has been really cool to watch."
The Blues will next face Tasmania on Thursday night in their final dress rehearsal ahead of the season's start against Darebin on May 16.
"For us, it’ll be continuing to implement system and double down on that learning to have our players feeling as ready and prepared as we can for Round 1," O'Connor said.
Eve Joyce is a student at La Trobe University, undergoing a Bachelor of Media and Communications (Journalism and Marketing). Eve is currently undertaking an internship at the Carlton Football Club as part of its partnership with La Trobe University.
