CARLTON didn’t get the start it was hoping for their 2024 season, going down to Hawthorn by 38 points at Kinetic Stadium.

Strong winds presented a challenge early for both teams, with captain Kerryn Peterson electing for her Blues to kick with the wind in the opening quarter. It appeared to be the right move, with Carlton able to lock the ball in its forward 50 early.

Maddy Guerin looked threatening out of the middle in her first game back from injury, while it was Mia Austin who kicked the Blues’ first goal three minutes into the game. Livewire Keeley Skepper quickly followed suit, using the wind to her advantage to boot a massive goal from 45 metres out.

00:37

AFLW R1 | Skepper's superb work ignites Blues

Keeley Skepper slams home an excellent goal on the run that excites her teammates.

Hawthorn wasn't going to bow down however, kicking the next two goals to leave Carlton with just a one-point lead at the first break.

The Hawks took advantage of their use of the wind in the second quarter, keeping the Blues’ defenders under constant pressure with repeat entries into Hawthorn’s forward-50. Co-vice captains Mimi Hill and Abbie McKay worked hard to clear the ball past Hawthorn’s wall of defence set up behind the ball, with the latter notching nine disposals in the second quarter alone.

Hawthorn’s transitions were too quick for Carlton, adding three consecutive goals to their tally and scoring on 50% of their forward entries to end the half.

02:56

AFLW R1 | Buck post-match

Mathew Buck spoke to the media following the Round 1 clash against Hawthorn.

With Carlton back kicking with the wind in the third quarter, the Hawks well prepared to not allow them to capitalise. Winger Dayna Finn sparked some life into the Blues, intercepting a Hawthorn kick out which resulted in a classy crumb and goal from midfielder Keeley Sherar.

Debutant Lulu Beatty showed some exciting moments in the back pocket, showing no hesitation in going one-on-one with former AFLW Best and Fairest winner Emily Bates. McKay and Finn again worked hard to get the momentum going for the Blues, but Hawthorn was again diligent in defence.

Austin again snagged an exciting goal in the final quarter to try to lessen the deficit, however Carlton quickly ran out of steam against the strong and physical Hawthorn side.

Match summary

HAWTHORN     2.1     5.4     6.7       9.12 (66)
CARLTON         2.2     2.2     3.3       4.4 (28)
 
GOALS: Austin 2, Skepper, Sherar