THE VFLW competition’s top team have proved their strength once again after their polished display against a valiant Carlton outfit.
Millie Klingbeil was excellent for the Blues, finishing up with nine clearances to go along with 17 disposals and a goal, while Imogen Milford put in a rock solid performance, kicking three of Carlton’s four goals.
Quarter one
It was a strong start to the quarter for the Blues with the side controlling the play early, however they were wasteful with their opportunities and the Bombers made them pay with two quick-fire goals. The quarter was an arm-wrestle from then on, but Carlton continued to be punished for their inefficiency. Klingbeil started the match like a house on fire, winning the ball at the source, ending up with five disposals and two quarter clearances.
Quarter two
It was a difficult start for the Blues, with Bombers class resulting in two goals within the first five minutes. The Bombers preceded to control the quarter, led by Amelia Radford who was tearing apart the contest, ending up with 14 disposals by half time. Carlton regained some momentum towards the end of the quarter after Imogen Milford kicked their first goal from 30 metres out. Carlton had a hit to their morale as Federica Frew marked the ball directly in front of goal with just a few seconds left, kicking her fifth goal of the half after the siren.
Quarter three
The second half started off on a sour note for Carlton, with Brooke Vernon stretchered off after she found herself on the wrong end of a sling tackle. After a five-minute delay, the game resumed, perhaps lacking the same sting it once did. Essendon rediscovered their form as the sides approached the final change, and they were able to translate it onto the scoreboard for three unanswered goals.
Quarter four
Carlton began the final term with plenty of endeavour, resulting in a Klingbeil set shot where she kicked truly for the first goal of the quarter. The Blues continued their promising play and Milford was the beneficiary, nailing two goals in succession to give them three goals for the quarter and four of the last five. Essendon steadied the ship with a goal of their own as both sides began to run out of steam. Despite the fight back from the Blues, the Bombers finished the game with a 52-point win.
Match Summary:
Carlton 0.1.1 1.1.7 1.1.7 4.3.27
Essendon 3.3.21 8.5.53 11.6.72 12.7.79
Goals: Milford 3, Klingbeil
Best: Klingbeil, Goss, Milford, Brazzale
Stafford says:
"I thought we started really well, but we obviously just couldn’t put any scoreboard pressure on them. They are a quality opposition and they certainly got on top of us at points. I’m really happy with how we finished off the game and we’ll get a lot out of this game going forwards in the next few weeks."
Benjamin Hann is a student at La Trobe University, undergoing his Bachelor of Media and Communications (Sports Journalism). He is currently undertaking an internship at the Carlton Football Club as part of its partnership with La Trobe University.
