Carlton VFLW overcame a slow start to win in an arm wrestle against Casey on Saturday, defeating the home team by 28 points at Casey Fields, 4.12 (36) to 1.2 (8).
The Blues took a minute to find their rhythm, but their defensive pressure ensured the Demons could not capitalise on their territorial advantage.
Ellie Sbeghen proved pivotal not only in the ruck but also deep, finishing with 48 hit outs. Octavia Di Donato, in her 50th VFLW game, recorded 30 disposals.
Despite opportunities for majors at both ends, Carlton was only able to record two behinds but kept the hosts scoreless.
The second quarter started with renewed energy. Defender Lucy Burke held her ground, intercepting passes repeatedly to regain possession for Carlton’s and feed the ball to her teammates.
The Blues remained composed, holding firm to their system and using their confidence to generate several promising passages straight down the corridor. However, converting was a challenge.
Carlton eventually made a break when Stephanie Tredwell marks and converted, scoring the first goal for Carlton in this match and shifting momentum in the Blues' favour.
Harriet Bingley then added another goal to their tally, extending their advantage as they entered half time with a nine-point lead.
Carlton produced strong, determined plays as they generated forward entries as their midfield delivered the ball into attack. However, several chances went unanswered as they attempted to build a wider margin.
They continued their effort, which paid off when Di Donato scored a goal after earning a free kick following a strong contest inside 50.
There was a noticeable intensity around the ball as the quarter progressed. The Blues continued to have the numbers forward, keeping the ball firmly in their attacking 50 and limiting Casey’s ability to get on the attack.
The Demons attempted to respond using their tall target, but Carlton’s midfield moved the ball quickly, hitting their targets inside 50. Bingley added a second goal of the game, while the opposition struggled to contain the rapid ball movement as the Blues found space on the wings. Carlton led by 25 points at three-quarter time.
The Blues maintained the intensity leading into the final term, applying pressure around the contest. It was back-and-forth, with both sides fighting tirelessly, but scoring opportunities were limited.
It was a 28-point victory for Carlton as the final siren rang, marking their fourth win in a row and setting them up for Round 13.
Assistant Coach Michael King praised the team for their persistence.
“We started slowly, and they hunted after us at the start, but then we were able to address that and play the way we like to play. We got on top of it all with the numbers around the ball and the contest, and then we were able to control the game,” he said.
“Getting the win today teaches the team that others are hunting us and watching the way we play, and we need to be ready for that and just keep doing what we’re doing and do it well.”
Carlton heads south to take on the Tasmania Devils in Round 13 next Saturday, August 8, at North Hobart Oval from 2:35 pm.
Looking ahead to the clash, King said the trip will provide valuable time for the group to strengthen bonds on and off the field.
“It’ll be a great experience travelling over there, spending time together as a team, and facing Tasmania at their home ground, and really set us up for the rest of the season,” he said.
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.
