The VFLW Blues were on the end of a 45-point loss at the hands of a tough opponent in Melbourne Uni at Arden Street.

The Mugars got off to a blistering start in Round 12 action, with the Blues seeing little reward on the scoreboard despite a heartening fightback in the second half. 

The positives came in the form Northern Knights duo Gabby Newton and Britney Gutknecht, who debuted in Navy Blue. with Newton getting on the board for her first goal in Carlton colours.

Quarter-by-quarter breakdown:

Q1:

Melbourne Uni got off to a flying start in the first term, but the Blues worked hard around the contest. Carlton’s midfield was boosted by the inclusion of Darcy Vescio, who worked well with Madison Prespakis. Sarah Hosking tackled hard whenever she could while Chloe Dalton tested her versatility by spending some time in the ruck. However, it was the MUGARS who kicked out to a big lead with five unanswered goals. 

Q2:

Carlton spent more time inside 50 and capitalised by getting a goal through Alison Downie in her first VFLW game for the season. Courteney Bromage impressed with some good disposal around the ground, while Mia-Rae Clifford spent some time in defence applying good pressure. She was complemented well by Sarah Wright on the last line of defence, who was sent down back after starting her season in the forward line. Prespakis continued to dominate through the middle with her long leg clearing congestion at the contest.

Q3:

The Blues fought back well to win the third term. Sidney Cubasch got on the end of a goal thanks to some great vision from Prespakis to spot her in the goal square. Jess Hosking worked well under pressure on the last line of defence, while Clifford continued to play solid football in defence. Co-captain Natalie Plane did well to snap a goal under pressure late in the term, while Gabby Newton put on the finishing touches to a successful quarter with a major of her own – her first in Navy Blue.

Q4:

Carlton continued to fight hard in the final term with promising run-and-carry as well as pressure around the ball. Youngsters Emerson Woods and Gabby Newton were lively around the footy, while Bry Gurr rewarded their efforts with an opportunistic goal. Abbie McKay worked hard in the middle of the ground, as did the Hosking sisters around the contest.

Shan’s Player of the Day:

"Mia was a rock down back," McFerran said.

"She stood tall and led from the front, which I thought was fantastic."

Match summary:

Carlton                  0.1      1.3     4.5         5.5 (35)
Melbourne Uni        5.3      8.3     10.6       12.8 (80)

GOALS
Carlton: Cubasch, Downie, Gurr, Newton, Plane

BESTS
Carlton: Clifford, S Wright, Downie, Bromage, Prins, Newton