Carlton VFLW overcame a slow start to record a significant 42-point victory over Geelong, 10.8 (68) to 4.2 (26), strengthening its place in the top six and adding a fifth win to its tally.
The Blues found it challenging to maintain possession early on, with the Cats making a strong start.
Geelong kicked the opening two goals, keeping Carlton at an arm’s length and making it difficult for the Blues to gain possession around the contest.
The hosts found control and forced Carlton to rely on their defensive structure for the majority of the opening term.
Towards the close of the first quarter, Carlton was able to generate multiple opportunities through consistent repeat inside 50s. This led to the Blues' first goal of the game off the boot of Lola Stone, keeping them within eight points of the home side at quarter time.
Carlton came back swinging in the second quarter as they tried to close the margin. The team's hard work around the ball shifted momentum, and the Blues clawed back with a major from Hannah Bowey.
This was closely followed by a clean possession chain starting with Tahlia Plunkett, who delivered the ball to Octavia Di Donato, who found Bowey for what was her second goal for the game, pushing Carlton into the lead for the first time in the match.
Lucy Burke proved integral in limiting the Cats’ opportunities, keeping them goalless in the second term, employing her impressive aerial skills and intercept game to win the ball in contests. This kept the Blues ahead by 10 points going into half time.
Coming back with confidence from its second-quarter surge, Carlton used its ground-level pressure to repeatedly force the ball past Geelong, creating opportunities.
A long ball inside 50 from Stone landed in the hands of an undefended Zoe Larkins, who quickly turned and took a shot, converting another major and extending the Blues’ lead.
Holding a comfortable lead as they entered the final quarter, the Blues remained organised behind the ball.
Emily Elkington consistently hit her targets and set up opportunities inside 50.
The final term was an even contest before Carlton finished strong with two goals in the dying minutes of the game to boost their lead as the siren sounded.
Carlton will now return home to take on second on the ladder, Williamstown, next Saturday, July 25 from 2:00pm at IKON Park.
SCORE
CARLTON: 1.4 (10), 4.5 (29), 8.8 (56), 10.8 (68)
GEELONG: 3.0 (18), 3.1 (19), 4.1 (25), 4.2 (26)
GOALS:
CARLTON: McCarthy (3), Spamer (2), Bowey (2), Stone, Larkins, Di Donato
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.
