IT WASN’T the fairy tale start to season 2021 the VFLW Blues had hoped for, recording a 36-point loss to Casey at Ikon Park on Saturday afternoon. 

Carlton struggled to hit the scoreboard while battling to control star Demon Brenna Tarrant who booted five goals for her side. 

AFLW-listed Blues Charlotte Hammans and Paige Trudgeon both featured in the coach’s votes, Trudgeon kicking two majors. 

Quarter-by-quarter breakdown:

Q1:

Despite some excellent smothers and intercept marks from Marnie Javis and Ester Honeybun, the Blues were unable to stop Casey from recording the opening goal of the match. This set the benchmark for the remainder of the first quarter as the ball remained predominantly in the Demons forward 50, keeping Carlton from hitting the scoreboard. Whilst the Blues moved the ball strongly along the wings, they were unable to match the pace of Casey in footraces for possession.

Q2:

Casey continued their dominance in the second quarter, taking the first two scoring shots of the term. Concern filled Ikon Park as skipper Ally Bild received a heavy tackle, forcing her off the field looking a little ginger. Bild however later returned to the game, cleared of any concussion concerns was able to play out the remainder of the match. Unable to stop the Demons centring kicks to the top of the goal square that resulted in a number of peppered shots, Carlton also struggled to bring the Sherrin cleanly out of defence.

Q3:

After being kept scoreless in the first half, Paige Trudgeon took a strong mark before going back and kicking Carlton’s first goal of the afternoon. This set up a great start to Carlton’s third quarter, Steph Lawrence later dribbling the ball through the big sticks for another goal. However, for all their good work a few pesky penalties in the opposition’s forward 50 proved costly. Trepidation once again filled the grounds as Bry Gurr was put on her back, she was however able to run off the field in the hands of trainers. 

Q4:

Another quick goal by Paige Trudgeon on the back of a slick hit out rounded out Carlton’s scoring for the day. By the final siren, the girls had given it their all and turned out a credible performance, however failed to match Casey with their speed and positioning.

Luke’s best on field:

“Our vice-captain Jen Lew spent probably three and half quarters down back stopping a lot of attack from Casey,” O’Shannessy said.

“She was able to work one on one or even when being outnumbered, take intercept marks, be strong in the air, mop up and provide a bit of run and carry from behind.

“She showed her experience and her seniority down there to lead the way.”

Match summary

Carlton    0.0    0.0    2.1    1.0(19)
Casey        0.1    2.3    2.5    3.4(55)

GOALS
Trudgeon 2, Lawrence

BEST
Lew, Laing, Hammans, Kolevski, Trudgeon, Zampaglione