Carlton VFLW overcame Tasmania by 15 points on Saturday at North Hobart Oval in the two sides' inaugural clash, winning 9.7 (61) to 7.4 (46).
The Blues' experience in the air, as well as their defensive structures, were crucial from the outset, ensuring they could create quickly transition the ball into attack.
However, Tasmania managed to control much of the early territory, setting itself up as dangerous right from the start.
Lucy Burke played a vital role in the backline, steadying the Blues' defence after the hosts scored the opening goal of the afternoon.
Carlton responded shortly through Danika Spamer, whose tireless work around the contest was rewarded with the team’s first major.
Despite Tasmania’s early control, the Blues stayed competitive and ended the first quarter trailing by just one point.
Heading into the second term, the contest remained even until Harriet Bingley pushed past Tassie’s defence, giving Carlton the lead with a goal in her home state. The Devils looked to respond quickly but the Blues' defence had tightened, denying several opportunities.
Carlton began to pick up the pace and used repeat stoppages inside its forward 50 to gain control, sending the ball forward to Zoe Larkins, who was influential in driving the ball forward and created opportunities in attack, which she capitalised on, extending the margin. Larkins finished the game with 20 disposals.
The Blues' defensive structures restricted Tasmania’s movement and allowed the travelling side to create an 18-point lead as the half-time siren sounded.
The third quarter saw both teams battling for territory through the corridor, with neither team able to convert any of their forward entries and fought for possession.
Tasmania eventually broke through to level the scores. The momentum change tested the Blues, who were suddenly under pressure for the first time in the game.
However, the lost control didn’t last for long as Carlton responded with Bingley snapping through her second goal of the afternoon to restore the lead.
Within minutes, Phoebe Hargreaves took a solid mark on the 50 before delivering the ball inside to Ellie Sbeghen, who converted to extend the margin further.
Carlton regained its breathing room while Tasmania refused to back down, responding late in the quarter to reduce the margin once again, leaving Carlton ahead by one goal.
The Blues added a goal from Carlton AFLW-listed player Aisling Reidy to reclaim the momentum. Tackling pressure was high, as the Blues maintained their composure.
A late 50-meter penalty ended in a Larkins’ crucial major, pulling the Blues ahead comfortably as they secured a 15-point victory at North Hobart Oval.
Round 14 will see Carlton take on the Western Bulldogs on Saturday at Whitten Oval from 2.00pm.
CARLTON: 1.1 (7), 4.4 (28), 6.4 (40), 9.7 (61)
TASMANIA: 1.2 (8), 1.4 (10), 5.4 (34), 7.4 (46)
GOALS
CARLTON: Larkins (2), Bingley (2), Spamer, Sbeghen, Reidy, Bowey & Baxter
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.
