IT was an historic day on Saturday as Carlton’s VFLW side took to the field for the first time. Walking away 22-point winners against the Southern Saints, the team will be looking to carry its momentum into Round 2.
Newly appointed VFLW senior coach Shannon McFerran assesses every Carlton AFLW-listed player who featured in the first VFLW win at Frankston Oval:
Maddison Gay
Stats: 11 disposals, 7 kicks
From the coach: Maddy was strong around the contest and impacted the game at stoppages. She created opportunity for others with her ability to hold shape and hit up targets with her kicks.
Sarah Hosking
Stats: 15 disposals, 10 tackles
From the coach: Sarah was instrumental in the Round 1 win over Southern Saints. Her attack at the football was relentless and her work around the stoppages created plenty of opportunity all over the ground. Her leadership on field was invaluable.
Sarah Hosking celebrates a goal against the Southern Saints. (Photo: AFL Media)
Bridie Kennedy
Stats: 5 disposals, 3 handballs
From the coach: From what I’ve seen of Bridie she is always trying to improve her game and works well with her teammates. Building consistency within the four quarters will strengthen her game as we progress into the season.
Madeline Keryk
Stats: 13 disposals, 4 tackles
From the coach: A solid performance. Her defensive pressure was strong. She worked hard to limit her opponent and found plenty of opportunity to run off half-back.
Sophie Li
Stats: 12 disposals, 8 kicks
From the coach: Soph loves getting the ball out of congestion to her teammates on the outside. Her clean hands had a real impact in the middle and she also kicked a goal in the second quarter – her first in the VFLW.
Sophie Li's strong marking was a highlight on Saturday. (Photo: AFL Media)
Tilly Lucas-Rodd
Stats: 7 disposals, 6 tackles
From the coach: Tilly spent some time up forward and back. Her ability to play offensively and defensively was solid and she impacted the game in both areas. Her attack at the football was strong and she lead from the front all day.
Breann Moody
Stats: 17 disposals, 12 kicks
From the coach: Bre’s ruck work set up the game early. She impacted each stoppage with her follow up and was able to create opportunities for our onballers. Her marking ability can’t be underestimated – she was strong in the air all day.
Natalie Plane
Stats: 7 disposals, 9 kicks
From the coach: Nat ran hard throughout the game to support her teammates. She hit the scoreboard and kicked an important goal in the third quarter to extend our lead to four goals. She also laid nine tackles which demonstrated her work ethic.
Darcy Vescio
Stats: 17 disposals, 3 goals
From the coach: Darcy created plenty of opportunity up forward. She held her space really well and lead strongly. Her ability to win the contest was strong and her finish saw her kick three goals. Her work rate and intensity at the football was high throughout. A move down back in the last quarter saw Darcy again maintain focus and finish the game with strong marks in defence.
Darcy Vescio starred for Carlton's VFLW side on Saturday. (Photo: AFL Media)
