Carlton VFLW put in a determined performance against an undefeated Collingwood side, going down by four points, 4.6 (30) to 3.8 (26), in a hard-fought contest in challenging conditions.
The Blues were on the back foot early as Collingwood applied pressure, dominating territory in the opening stages of the game.
Carlton’s defence held strong despite this early pressure, creating a number of strong contested efforts that prevented the Pies from capitalising on their early dominance.
There were various plays of strong ball movement down the ground as the Blues were able to create strong marking opportunities to generate attacking opportunities. Collingwood maintained a narrow advantage.
The second term saw the Blues lift their intensity on the ball. Carlton’s defence continued to form a strong barrier, able to clear the ball and take advantage of the slippery conditions.
This hard work was rewarded when Hannah Bowey kicked Carlton’s first major, giving the Blues the lead.
Carlton kept pushing forward as the Blues consistently worked their way back inside 50 through their one-on-one contested efforts.
The scores were tied at half time at 10 apiece, creating an exciting atmosphere for the second half.
Both sides emerged after the break with a renewed energy, and once again Carlton’s defence was in the spotlight as this tightened unit worked together seamlessly to support one another and limit scoring opportunities from the opposition.
The Blues capitalised on their moments, linking up effectively and creating opportunities within 50.
However, Collingwood matched this intensity and capitalised on turnovers at a fast pace. As heavy rain moved across the oval and created slippery conditions.
Carlton stayed within attacking distance, ensuring for the most part the margin stayed within one goal.
The Blues continued to create opportunities with strong ball movement, but converting inside 50 proved challenging against a persistent Magpies backline.
With just one goal the difference late in the game, Sophia McCarthy produced a highlight moment with a flying mark before kicking true, keeping the Blues within four points.
Despite persisting until the final siren, Carlton was unable to bridge the gap in the remaining minutes.
SCORES:
CARLTON: 0.3 (3) 1.4 (10) 1.6 (12) 3.8 (26)
COLLINGWOOD: 1.2 (8) 1.4 (10) 3.5 (23) 4.6 (30)
GOALS
CARLTON: McCarthy, Di Donato & Bowey
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.
