Carlton VFLW recorded its second win of the season on Saturday at IKON Park, defeating Sandringham by 12 points, 5.6 (36) to 3.6 (24).
In what was a come-from-behind win from the Blues, it was the Zebras who struck early with the opening goal in the first three minutes. Carlton struggled to make the most of its forward entries early, with a few missed connections allowing the visitors to hold control.
However, the Blues worked tirelessly to gain their way back into the contest and answered with their own major from Emily Elkington. The goal sparked a lift in energy, as the ball began to spend more time in Carlton's forward 50, although Sandringham still held a slight lead at the first break.
The second quarter became tighter, with both sides giving everything as wet weather swept the ground. The tough conditions made for a scrappy quarter, but co-captain Grace Matser once again stood up. Matser ended the game with 18 hit-outs, while Steph Demeo was also dominant, finishing with 24 disposals.
Scoring chances remained limited, and the Zebras held a four-point lead at the main break.
The Blues came out of the half-time break re-energised and compose, matching the Zebra's energy with sharp ball movement through the middle as they linked cleanly and created momentum. Their pressure was a force to be reckoned with, with as the Zebras were pushed to make decisions under pressure.
A crucial moment came when Sophia McCarthy converted a set-shot in front of goal, further closing the gap. Having tightened the margin once again, Carlton continued to steadily build their pressure in defence, with Hannah Scott (35 disposals, 14 handballs) and Mia Fuller (24 disposals) working in tandem.
The final term delivered a nail-biting finish. Just seconds into the quarter, Alessia Acquaro scored a goal, closing the margin to one goal. From there, the Blues kept their composure and their defence held firm with the backline keeping Sandringham at bay.
With just one point in difference midway through the final quarter, Carlton’s perseverance paid off, with Nell Morris-Dalton delivering two final-quarter goals to secure the win.
Coach Aasta O’Connor praised the team for its determination and ability to lift intensity and execute under pressure
“(I'm) proud of them for standing up in the moment, executing the system and playing their roles,” O'Connor said.
“That result has been building now. We know that our offence can be a real weapon for us, so (it was great) to see it all come together this afternoon, and against a quality opponent like Sandringham.”
Round 5 will see Carlton take on Essendon at Windy Hill on Sunday, June 7 from 11.05am.
“Hopefully the group gets a lot of belief out of the win and it can launch us moving forward,” O’Connor said.
CARLTON: 1.1 (7) 1.3 (9) 2.4 (16) 5.6 (36)
SANDRINGHAM: 2.0 (12) 2.1 (13) 3.4 (23) 3.6 (24)
CARLTON GOALS: Nell Morris-Dalton 2, Sophia McCarthy, Emily Elkington and Alessia Acquaro
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
