Carlton VFLW was edged out by Port Melbourne in Saturday's elimination final at IKON Park, going down by 10 points, 5.5 (35) to 6.9 (45).
The Blues started strong in front of the roaring home crowd. Within the first two minutes, Grace Matser made an incredible return, kicking the opening goal of the game and giving the Blues the perfect start.
The Borough responded quickly by increasing numbers around the contest, but the Blues' defensive structures held firm. Lucy Burke was a commanding presence across the backline, taking multiple intercepts and driving the ball forward. She finished the game with 17 disposals. Hannah Scott (22 diposals) was another key player, constantly finding herself in the contest and clearing the ball.
Port Melbourne levelled the scores soon after, but Carlton continued to respond. Alessia Acquaro's booted crucial major in the latter half of the quarter, before Danika Spamer added another to the tally in the final seconds, taking momentum as they headed into the first break with Carlton leading by 10 points.
The second term brought heavy rain, creating difficult conditions. Despite this, Carlton continued to persevere and create opportunities in the forward line.
Octavia Di Donato's pressure and tackling were immense, denying the Borough any opportunities to capitalise. Both teams controlled various passages of play, however, Port Melbourne locked the ball in their forward half, limiting Carlton’s chances inside 50.
Hannah Bowey seized her moment and created an opportunity inside 50, delivering the ball to Acquaro, who added a second goal for the afternoon. Port Melbourne were able to add another major to their tally, reducing Carlton's margin to nine points as half time arrived.
Port Melbourne came out if the main break firing, with two goals in quick succession, and as a result, the lead for the first time in the match as momentum shifted.
Gab Pound and Emma Horne worked tirelessly to help the Blues regain possession, before Matilda Fitzgerald came through with an important intercept in the push to regain control of the game.
Spamer drove the ball deep into the 50, where Matser waited patiently to receive it in an exquisite aerial grab. Matser converted her second goal of the game, reducing the margin to three points as Carlton stayed in the game. Port Melbourne maintained its lead by nine points at three-quarter time.
With their season on the line, the Blues came out fighting in the final term. Both teams played a very even game, with something of a stalemate in the early minutes of the last quarter.
Lily Baxter laid a strong tackle on the wing, stopping the momentum of Port Melbourne as the Blues took possession back. But despite controlling territory in the early stages, Carlton struggled to convert its opportunities.
The Borough used this to their advantage and held their lead. Despite Carlton’s best efforts, it couldn't bridge the gap.
The final result, a 10-point loss, brings Carlton’s VFLW 2026 season to a close.
Coach Aasta O'Connor praised the team for their significant growth across the season.
"They learnt a lot about themselves as players, and as a team. They just love the game, especially here at Carlton where they are supported by some really great coaching staff," she said.
"The entire team grew and matured as players, and it was really cool to see that, seeing them smile and enjoy each other’s company while playing the game they all love."
SCORES
CARLTON: 3.0 (18), 4.3 (27), 5.3 (33), 5.5 (35)
PORT MELBOURNE: 1.2 (8), 2.6 (18), 6.6 (42), 6.9 (45)
GOALS
CARLTON: Matser (2), Acquaro (2), Spamer
