VFLW Blues go down to Bombers

Carlton VFLW went down to Essendon by 32 points at Windy Hill on Saturday.

Despite a strong and persistent effort against the home side, the Blues fell 4.7 (31) to 10.3 (63).

Windy Hill didn’t live up to its name, with near-perfect footy conditions providing the ideal stage for the game.

Essendon took the early advantage, using its home ground familiarity to secure the opening goal and establish momentum.

Carlton started at a steady pace with well-structured passages of play down the middle, which allowed Emily Elkington to follow through for the Blues' first goal of the match.

The Blues' defensive line was tested as they knocked back repeated entries into Essendon’s forward 50.

Coming back from quarter time, Carlton’s intensity lifted as they drove the ball forward and opened up scoring opportunities. Essendon, however, responded with an unwavering defensive structure.

Moments before the half-time siren, a well-executed passage of play landed perfectly in the hands of Nell Morris-Dalton, who kept the Blues within reach as she added another major to the board.

At half-time, the Blues remained in the hunt. However, the Bombers extended their lead to 32 points at three-quarter time, which was also the eventual final margin.

Despite the considerable deficit the Blues continued to fight, as Tahlia Plunkett booted her first goal of the season which was closely followed by another from Morris-Dalton.

Katelyn Busuttil, Emily Elkington, Nell Morris-Dalton and Hannah Scott led the way with 17 disposals apiece.

Ellie Sbeghen was also a standout in the ruck with 28 hit-outs.

Following a Round 5 bye, Carlton will next host Port Melbourne on Saturday, June 20 from 11.05am at IKON Park.

CARLTON: 4.0 (24) 2.3 (15) 2.6 (18) 4.7 (31)

ESSENDON: 1.2 (8) 6.1 (37) 8.2 (50) 10.3 (63)

CARLTON GOALS: Morris-Dalton 2, Elkington, Plunkett

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

VFLW Blues go down to Bombers

The VFLW Blues were defeated by Essendon on Saturday at Windy Hill.

IKON Park from the air, 1952

Take a rare aerial look back to 1952 with these striking black-and-white photographs of IKON Park captured by pioneering aerial photographer Charles Pratt.

VFL R11 | Truslove Post-match

VFL Senior Coach Damian Truslove spoke with Carlton Media following the loss to Essendon.

IKON Park from the Air | 1952 Aerial Photographs

Take a rare aerial look back to 1952 with these striking black-and-white photographs of Ikon Park, then known as Princes Park. Captured by pioneering aerial photographer Charles Pratt, the images reveal a very different Carlton home. This unique perspective offers a fascinating glimpse into the ground’s rich history and the evolving landscape of Melbourne’s inner north. Images sourced from the Victorian State Library.

VFLW Blues go down to Bombers

The VFLW Blues were defeated by Essendon on Saturday at Windy Hill.

IKON Park from the air, 1952

Take a rare aerial look back to 1952 with these striking black-and-white photographs of IKON Park captured by pioneering aerial photographer Charles Pratt.

AFL squad selection: Three potential additions

Carlton has named three potential inclusions for the King’s Birthday Eve clash with Essendon.

VFLW Blues go down to Bombers