Carlton VFLW played a dominant game against Box Hill, overcoming an early slow start before taking control with an impressive 36-point victory, 10.11 (71) to 4.11 (35).
In ideal football conditions, Carlton created opportunities early but struggled to convert. The Hawks generated their own entries, capitalising early as the kicked the opening goal and a head start.
The Blues continued their pressure and were rewarded through Nell Morris-Dalton, whose fierceness around the contest resulted in Carlton’s first major.
The scores were tied late in the first term before Box Hill edged ahead with a behind. Carlton quickly threatened with Sophie McCarthy on the wing, but the Hawks were able to hold strong. The continued pressure from the Blues' defence ensured the hosts couldn't add another major before quarter time, with only three points separating the sides at the first break.
The Hawks made a perfect start to the second quarter, adding a major within the opening minutes of the second term
Carlton responded quickly, finding a rhythm through strong ball movement from Lucy Burke (seven marks) and Emily Elkington (21 disposals), driving the ball inside 50.
A beautiful passage of play resulted in AFLW Blue Lila Keck making her mark on the game with a major. This was closely followed by back-to-back goals from McCarthy and Tahlia Plunkett, who finished with three goals, giving the Blues a comfortable lead.
Carlton led by 15 points at half time and carried that confidence into the third term. McCarthy delivered a precise pass inside 50 to an unguarded Keck early in the quarter, who put through her second major for the game, giving the Blues a three-goal advantage.
AFLW Blue Gab Pound was influential throughout the contest and remained a dangerous target in the forward line. The ruckwork of Ellie Sbeghen proved pivotal, and provided Carlton with first use at stoppages.
Carlton extended its lead to 23 points at the final break, and again in the final term, maintaining control and comfortably securing an impressive 36-point victory.
Coach Aasta O’Connor praised the team for their hard work and perseverance.
“Overall, a really strong performance, certainly around the ball…our stoppage and clearance game was really strong,” she said.
“It always comes back to us playing our way. I’m really proud of the group this year. With a couple of losses, there is still a consistency in the game and a real maturity in the group growing week by week, which is really impressive”
There were a number of players who caught O'Connor's eye who helped drive the result.
“I'm really proud of how Nell Morris-Dalton has been going, stringing some games together and building form, to see her put a great month of footy together has been awesome,” O'Connor said.
“I loved Taliha Plunkett’s game, her reaction and speed, especially coming off a few great weeks
“Emily Elkington, who, after an injury last season, is coming back really strong for us and putting some games together.
“And Lucy Burke, with a great season playing as a key defender, also had an unreal intercept game.”
Round 10 will see Carlton take on Geelong at Deakin University, Geelong, on Saturday, 18 July, from 12:05 pm.
SCORES
CARLTON: 1.3 (8), 5.5 (35), 8.8 (56), 10.11 (71)
BOX HILL: 1.5 (11), 2.6 (18), 3.9 (27), 4.11 (35)
GOALS
CARLTON: Plunkett (3), Morris-Dalton (2), Keck (2), Spamer, McCarthy, 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.
