Carlton VFLW fell short to Geelong on Saturday at IKON Park, suffering a three-point loss, 3.6 (24) to 3.9 (27).
The Blues set the tone early, taking control of the opening term through applying pressure to each contest and generating repeat entries inside 50 as they challenged the Cats’ defence.
Carlton’s defence was tested when Geelong forced a turnover, sending the ball deep, but Lucy Burke worked quickly, gathering the loose ball and delivering it right back to the Blues forward line, preventing the visitors from an easy score.
The Blues midfield worked tirelessly, as Hannah Scott and Lily Baxter drove the ball out of congestion and down the corridor to Danika Spamer, who converted the opening goal of the game.
Using this to their advantage, Carlton continued to pursue territory, putting pressure on Geelong’s defence.
The Cats had limited opportunities in the opening term as Carlton commanded the midfield contest, leading by one goal at quarter time.
As the second term got underway, the Blues looked to continue their strong start. However the Cats locked the ball inside their 50 and limiting Carlton’s opportunities as the visitors wrestled back the momentum.
AFLW-listed player Brooke Boileau was key in delivering the ball to the Blues’ attacking half, ending the game with 22 disposals.
Geelong’s defensive pressure forced turnovers, allowing the visitors to transition quickly and gain on Carlton's small lead.
Burke remained a disruptive presence, spoiling several attacks and preventing the Cats from extending their advantage further. She finished with 23 disposals.
The Blues couldn't crack the Cats' defence before half time, with Geelong leading by two points at the main break.
Carlton came back fighting after half time, with both teams battling for control through the middle of the ground.
Geelong’s urgency was felt as they looked to capitalise on any opportunity in a push towards finals, but Carlton responded quickly to the challenge, meeting the visitors point for point.
The Blues used numbers around the ball and rapid passages of play in an attempt to close the margin, and they were rewarded for this hard work through AFLW-listed player Aisling Reidy, whose major reduced the margin to a single point.
Carlton regained control, locking the ball in its attacking half for much of the latter half of the third quarter.
It was an even match, with both teams level on the scoreboard.
Geelong managed to edge back in front in the dying minutes of the third term, however, Carlton remained firmly within reach, with just one point separating them.
The final quarter was tense as both sides searched for a goal to pull ahead.
A series of minor scores saw Carlton briefly move ahead for the first time since the opening quarter.
Neither side could maintain control for long as the momentum continued to shift.
Carlton continued to battle through the midfield, but Geelong had numbers around the contest, making it difficult to gain any space.
The Cats eventually broke through the back line, restoring their advantage and forcing Carlton back on the chase.
Geelong maintained the lead for the remainder of the quarter, with Hannah Bowey providing a bright spark in the dying minutes of the game, scoring a major and reducing the margin.
The Blues remained within reach throughout the final quarter, but despite several late opportunities, they were unable to regain the lead as Geelong secured the win.
This match closes out the home and away season, now the VFLW Blues turn their attention to finals.
SCORE
CARLTON: 1.2 (8), 1.2 (8), 2.4 (16), 3.6 (24)
GEELONG: 0.2 (2), 1.4 (10), 2.5 (17), 3.9 (27)
GOALS
CARLTON: Spamer, Reidy and Bowey
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.
