DESPITE a nail-biting loss to the NT Thunder last week, Carlton AFLW and VFLW star Gab Pound believes the Blues have drastically improved since the beginning of the season.

The Blues made their inaugural trip up North to take on the NT Thunder in hot conditions at TIO Stadium in Darwin.

Bursting out of the blocks, Carlton held the lead at every change before NT Thunder kicked four unanswered goals in the last quarter to steal a two-point victory.

While the loss was disappointing, the game signalled another step forward for the VFLW Blues who have shown progress after a slow start to the season.

“That game is a hard one because we obviously travelled, so that was a bit tough for us. It was 30 degree weather, so it was a big change for most of the VFL girls who maybe hadn’t travelled before for footy,” Pound told SEN following the game.

“I thought the first three quarters, the first half in particular, we played the best that we’ve ever played.

“We just couldn’t put four quarters in, and that’s something we’ll have to bring to future games. I think there were a lot of positives to take out of it.”

Pound finished among Carlton’s best in her second game of the VFLW season, collecting 29 disposals and seven marks.

It was the younger Blues who impressed Pound, the likes of Abbie McKay, Emerson Woods and Charlotte Wilson all making significant progress since playing together during the 2019 AFLW season.

“I’m really impressed with the way that Abbie McKay has been going, same with Emerson Woods, and Charlotte Wilson who have shown pretty good development,” said Pound.

“I’m excited to see how they’ll end the season, they’ve been getting a few touches here and there and they’re definitely improving. It’s exciting.”

The Blues will return to familiar territory when they take on the Hawks at their home ground of La Trobe University this Saturday.

While the Hawks will go into the Round 10 clash as the favourites, Pound is embracing the Blues’ “underdog" status heading into the match.

“It seems as though [the Hawks] have been going pretty well. We’ve love being the underdog at most points, and we really turn it on then,” Pound said.

“I think it will be a big challenge for us, but I think we can come away with the win. We’re pretty thirsty now.

“La Trobe is a great deck as well, so we’re pretty excited to go back there and have a home game there.”