CARLTON has burst out of the blocks and withstood a late scare to get 2026 off on a winning note.

On the back of an excellent first half, the Blues recorded a 26 point-win in the AFLW season opener, getting a big four points over the Saints in a 9.12 (66) to 6.4 (40) win.

05:45

AFLW R1 | Match Highlights

Watch all the highlights from our Season Opener win against the Saints.

Carlton was at its free-flowing best early on the back of their midfielders recording big numbers around the ground, but then had to withstand a late challenge with over 20,000 in the house at Marvel Stadium during a frenetic final term.

Early in the game, Carlton’s attacking instincts loomed large, particularly with its forward line’s ability to challenge St Kilda’s defence back to goal.

There was a clear tactic early for the Blues to push numbers high and open up their attacking 50, with Poppy Scholz looking dangerous from the outset, ultimately kicking the first goal of the season.

00:39

AFLW R1 | Poppy starts the party with season’s opening goal

Poppy Scholz brushes off a Saint before powering through to get the 2026 AFLW season underway

Settling in seamlessly with her new side, Claudia Whitfort - as she had all pre-season - added a new dimension to Carlton’s midfield, combining well with Abbie McKay and Mimi Hill as the Blues’ handball game got going.

Maddy Hendrie had some strong defensive moments opposed to Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw, with the Blues getting full benefit from their strong defensive work when both Lily Goss and Dayna Finn snapped truly prior to quarter time.

Despite forward territory remaining close in the first half (the Blues had 23-20 inside 50s), they looked much more potent and efficient going forward in the first two terms, opening up a 33-point gap at the main break.

Goss kicked multiple goals for the first time in her career, while - starting up forward - Darcy Vescio honoured AFLW tradition with a goal in the season opener.

00:32

AFLW R1 | Give us the Goss: Lily lights up Marvel again

Lily Goss continues her impressive start with a brilliant finish on the burst

The Blues’ appetite for the contest was clear, with a Ciara Fitzgerald contest in the closing seconds of the first half and an Amelia Velardo tackle at the start of the second perfect indications of that.

But while Carlton didn’t relent, St Kilda rallied as well, drawing within 10 points early in the last term after kicking five of six goals - the Blues’ only goal from half time to the 16-minute mark of the last quarter came from Nell Morris-Dalton in her Carlton debut.

The Blues looked to settle the contest and take the pace out of the game from the marauding Saints, with Vescio stepping up to calm the nerves and ice the contest, with Lila Keck (two goals) putting the icing on the cake late.

Captain Abbie McKay was excellent at the coalface with 32 disposals and nine clearances, while Hill (29 disposals, five clearances) and Whitfort (28 disposals, five tackles) were also prolific.

Poppy Scholz was excellent as an attacking outlet forward of the ball, while Keck (22 disposals) and Goss (two goals) both had career-highs.

Carlton will have next weekend off as the rest of the competition completes Round 1, with the Blues’ next game to come on Sunday 23 August against Adelaide in the first home game of the campaign.

ST KILDA      0.1     1.2     4.3       6.4 (40)
CARLTON     3.1     6.5     7.8       9.12 (66)

GOAL
Carlton: Goss 2, Keck 2, Vescio 2, Finn, Morris-Dalton, Scholz