CARLTON have gone down by 35 points to Port Adelaide in a high pressure contest at Alberton Oval on Sunday.

Despite coming off a four-day break, the Blues were hot early, locking it into their forward 50 and Darcy Vescio quickly finding the goals, however the Power were able to counter with a goal of their own.

Defenders Harriet Cordner and Gab Pound were instrumental in the opening quarter, not allowing Port Adelaide to further capitalise on their repeat entries.

The Carlton trademark contest and pressure were visible, not allowing the Power to see out their quick transitions.

Solo stand-in captain Mimi Hill was huge through the midfield, using her speed and clean hands to keep the ball moving. Keeley Sherar’s strength and speed in aiding the Carlton transitions from the defensive 50.

Port Adelaide also showcased their speed, and while Gen Lawson-Tavan and Maddy Guerin were able to intercept some entries, the Power were still able to add two goals to their tally to see out the second half.

00:37

AFLW W5 | Big Blue's super snap opens door

Breann Moody curls through a composed major to cut the margin.

Carlton came out in the third quarter raring to go, with quick clearances into their forward 50. Recruit Tarni Brown showed her quick feet spinning around her defender.

Second-gamer Meg Robertson also gave plenty of reasons for Carlton fans to get excited, showcasing her quick decision-making abilities while under pressure.

Breann Moody was also able to get the Blues within a single-digit deficit, however Port again quickly responded with their own goal to bring the margin to 15 points at the final break.

Jess Dal Pos got the energy levels up in the beginning of the final term with a goal of her own. Cordner and Pound increased the pressure in the backline with repeat stoppages and causing Port Adelaide turnovers.

The Power began to surge late in the quarter, adding three unanswered goals to end the game 35-point victors.

Carlton will now have six days to regroup before facing the reigning Premiers in Brisbane at IKON Park on Saturday night.

02:44

AFLW W5 | Pound post-match

Gab Pound spoke to Carlton Media following the Week 5 clash against Port Melbourne.

Match summary

PORT 1.1 3.5 4.8 8.10 (58)  

CARL 1.3 1.5 2.5 3.5 (23)

GOALS

Vescio, B. Moody, Dal Pos

BEST

Sherar, Hill, Pound, Guerin, B. Moody