CARLTON VFLW came heartbreakingly close to defeating Port Melbourne at ETU Stadium, with only a straight kick separating the two teams at the final siren on Sunday. 

A different narrative to the last time these two sides met in Round 2, Carlton was much better at the contested side of the game, covering off the Borough’s ability to switch the play.

AFLW-listed Blues’ Maddy Guerin, Charlotte Hammans and Paige Trudgeon featured in the coaches best, Trudgeon given the difficult task of defending Richmond’s Sabrina Frederick for the afternoon.

Quarter-by-quarter breakdown:

Quarter 1:

The Blues delivered a fierce first quarter, appearing to stun the unbeaten Borough. Stephanie Lawrence kicked the first goal of the match, converting a nice left foot snap from 45 meters out to get Carlton on the board. There were concerns for Charlotte Linssen who left the ground with a knee complaint. However, Linssen subsequently returned to the field in the same quarter. Akayla Peterson added to Carlton’s impressive start by booting back-to-back goals, while Paige Trudgen held strong in defence to keep Port Melbourne scoreless. The majority of play was kept in Carlton’s forward 50, the Blues winning the stat for entries 12 to 4 for the quarter.

Quarter 2:

Firm defensive pressure from Carlton wasn’t enough to stop Port Melbourne from finally hitting the scoreboard in the second term. Countering after a flat first quarter, Port Melbourne stacked on a few more goals, putting pressure back on Carlton to sustain its efforts. Courtney Jones evaded multiple red and blue jumpers to get one back for the Blues, slotting a handy right foot snap. A perfect centre bounce clearance saw the ball punched forward out of the ruck by Borg before being picked up by a dangerous Linssen. The ball then headed in the direction of Elsa Mangan on a hard lead, who kicked her first goal from the set shot.

Quarter 3:

The game’s physicality and tackle pressure increased, supplying some crunching tackles and impressive smothers from both sides. A 50-metre penalty to the advantage of Bryannen Gurr secured a goal for Carlton. However, two set shot goals from Sabrina Frederick saw Port Melbourne steal the lead heading into the final break. 

Quarter 4:

With the scene set for a cracking last quarter, Lawrence notched a point which saw scores evened. The ball then went down the other end, where the Borough sealed the result of the game. The Blues’ desperately scrambled to level the margin, Serena Gibbs taking a set shot from the 50 metre line which fell short and was turned over. Despite the ball remaining in Carlton’s forward 50 for the final hectic minutes of the match, the girls were unable to get a boot to ball to create a mark or a kick at goal.

Luke’s best on field:

“We’ve given it to Paige Trudgeon,” O’Shannessy said.

“[Paige is] Normally a forward, but we threw her back this week as a part of her development.

“She was able to bring the ball to ground, competed super well in the air and then was able to follow up and do the work.”

Match summary:

Carlton        3.0    2.1    1.2    0.1(40)        
Port Melbourne    0.0    3.2    3.2    1.0(46)         

GOALS
Peterson 2, Lawrence, Jones, Mangan, Gurr

BEST
Trudgeon, Linssen, Guerin, Hammans, Lawrence, Klingbeil