CARLTON has stormed into its first AFLW Grand Final with a thumping 36-point win over Fremantle.

Brilliance from the Blues from the outset saw them come away with a comprehensive victory, prevailing 9.10 (64) to 4.4 (28).

In one of the most important games for the Blues in their short history, the team were able to respond with arguably their most consistent and domninant performance to date. 

The Blues' intensity and ferocity across the field was a true highlight for the 7,146 fans in attendance, and was ultimately the difference at the final siren.

Tayla Harris starred up forward for the Blues, marking strongly, tackling even harder and hitting the scoreboard with the opening goal of the game. However, it was an entire team effort that saw the Blues dominate the Dockers, as Lauren Brazzale, Maddy Prespakis and Bri Davey led the disposal count.

Quarter-by-quarter:

Q1:

It was a see-sawing affair to begin the preliminary final with both teams sharing periods of momentum. The Blues burst out of the blocks with three shots on goal in the first three minutes, but it was the Dockers who turned the tide with the first goal of the game. Carlton answered soon after, with Tayla Harris taking a trademark grab and proceeding to boot the Blues' first goal. Lauren Brazzale was busy across half-forward with five possessions, while Maddy Prespakis led all ball-getters with six. 

Q2:

Carlton were totally dominant from the outset of the second term, playing their best quarter of footy for the season. The Blues held Fremantle to just the one behind while kicking four goals themselves, stretching the lead to 29 points at the main break. Breann Moody set the tone for the Blues early, kicking the first of the quarter at the four-minute mark. Chloe Dalton, Prespakis and Darcy Vescio then chimed in to kick three goals in five minutes. Brazzale built on her promising start to take her disposal count to 13, and Prespakis wasn’t far behind her with 11 of her own.  

Q3:

When it looked like the third quarter would be Fremantle’s charge back into the game, Carlton again answered comprehensively to extend their lead to 36 points. Gabby O’Sullivan's goal for Fremantle at the 11-minute mark of the term triggered an immediate response from the Blues.  Tilly Lucas-Rodd was the beneficiary of a Vescio assist to boot Carlton’s first, which was followed up immediately with a Dalton bomb from 70 metres that cleared the pack and rolled through.  

Q4:

Two quick goals from the Dockers to start the term would have unsettled the Blues of old. However, the composure demonstrated in weeks of late shone through with the girls able to hold their nerve. The Blues then hit back through Brooke Walker and Sarah Hosking to run out 36-point winners, and head into next week's Grand Final full of confidence.

Three things we learned:

  • A four-quarter effort led to a convincing win for Carlton. Coach Daniel Harford has been asking for it all year, and the Blues delivered a consistent performance when it counted the most. 
  • This Carlton outfit can match it with the best. With complete buy-in from all 21 players on the field, the Blues showed they are a serious unit worthy of playing in next Sunday's decider. 
  • The Blues forward line will worry their Grand Final opposition. Harris is crunching packs, Vescio’s athleticism makes her a tough match up and the speed, pressure and goal-kicking ability of Dalton and Walker will cause headaches. 

Player of the match:

Lauren Brazzale saved her best for the big stage, collecting 22 possessions and giving plenty of energy across half-forward. She was simply outstanding from start to finish.

Match summary:

Carlton   1.5   5.7   7.8   9.10 (64)
Fremantle   1.1   1.2   2.2   4.4 (28)

Goals:

Dalton 2, Harris, Moody, Prespakis, Vescio, Lucas-Rodd, Walker, S. Hosking 

Best:

Brazzale, Harris, Prespakis, Davey, Downie, Dalton

Attendance:

7146