Carlton VFLW overcame a slow start to defeat the Western Bulldogs by 13 points on Sunday at Mission Whitten Oval, winning 7.5 (47) to 5.4 (34).
The Blues worked hard around the contest, keeping their pressure strong despite the Bulldogs claiming the opening major. Carlton worked the ball through the corridor using the driving force of the midfield and the experience of a number of AFLW-listed players to create forward entries in the early minutes.
The hosts held control for much of the first quarter, but the Blues kept their composure, forcing turnovers to create chances. This persistence was rewarded when Danika Spamer found a loose ball deep in attack and converted Carlton's first major for the afternoon.
The Blues sought to use momentum off that first goal to push ahead, but the Bulldogs maintained a 13-point lead into quarter time.
Carlton lifted its energy to close the margin, tightening up the backline and gaining better control of the stoppages. Hannah Scott was influential around the contest, finishing with 26 disposals. She sent the ball to Harriet Bingley, who finessed a sneaky kick while in a tackle, using her awareness in congestion to deliver it to Hannah Bowey for another Blues goal.
The contest was even as both sides tried to find opportunities; Carlton remained patient, making the most of every possession to get the ball inside 50, when Brooke Boileau, an AFLW-listed player, kicked truly, levelling the scores.
The Blues locked the Bulldogs down at every chance, keeping them scoreless in the second term and carrying the momentum into the half-time break.
The Blues backline worked together like a well-oiled machine, limiting the hosts’ opportunities to get ahead once again. Alessia Acquaro put Carlton ahead for the first time with a major.
The Bulldogs responded quickly, taking the lead briefly. Carlton kept numbers around the ball and used the pressure to force the opposition into difficult decisions. This allowed the Blues to transition quickly from defence to attack straight down the corridor into the hands of Octavia Di Donato for another major, regaining Carlton’s advantage.
Carlton held a narrow lead as three-quarter time drew near.
The Blues maintained their energy, pushing past fatigue to carry possession and control into the final term.
The team quickly strengthened their position on the scoreboard, AFLW-listed player Aisling Reidy added an integral goal, extending the Blues’ lead and giving them the confidence needed for the final term.
Carlton’s defensive structure kept the Bulldogs at bay, denying them easy opportunities. The Blues found their rhythm, holding territory for extended periods of the quarter and once again using numbers around the contest to maintain possession and secure the victory.
Round 15 sees Carlton take on Geelong at IKON Park this Saturday, August 22 from 12.05pm, the last home match before finals.
SCORES
CARLTON: 1.1 (7), 3.2 (20), 5.3 (33), 7.5 (47)
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.2 (20), 3.2 (20), 4.4 (28), 5.4 (34)
GOALS
CARLTON: Spamer, Reidy, Larkins, Di Donato, Bowey, Boileau, Acquaro
