FOR THE second consecutive week, Daniel Harford’s Carlton took home the four points and produced their highest score of the season.
The Game Changers led at every change as they accounted for the Giants in Canberra, continuing their unbeaten 5-0 run against GWS since the competition’s inception back in 2017.
It was a contest which arguably should’ve been reflected by a greater margin on the scoreboard, with late inaccuracy (4.6 in the second half) the only thing stopping the Blues from a bigger win.
The Senior Coach was unsurprisingly pleased with what his team had to offer, reserving a special mention for Darcy Vescio, who became the first AFLW player to reach 50 career goals.
This is what Harford had to say.
On winning the contest against a physical opponent:
“It was a really strong battle, in the first half particularly. I know that Al [McConnell, GWS coach] likes to focus on contested possession and tackles and numbers around the footy, so we knew it was going to be a really physical encounter early doors. It was a matter of understanding that, absorbing that information and then trying to get the ball on the outside at the right times.
“Throughout the first half, we did that, but coughed up a few defensive-50 stoppages goals which annoys the coach at any time of the year. We were able to straighten that out after half time, get the ball into space a bit more and control the second half.”
On Darcy Vescio’s achievement:
“Rapt. The girls are rapt for ‘Darce’. They’re a magnificent part of what the AFLW is, and to see them put on a big of a show tonight — they probably could’ve kicked five I reckon.
“To be the first player to kick 50 is an accolade I think they’re worthy of. It was great to see the players celebrate the way they did, particularly after the game: it was a very special moment.”
On the impact Vescio has had on him:
“I was just referring to that very first game, where they kicked a big. I was sitting on the couch going ‘bloody hell, who is this’, and now I get to coach them. It’s a joy have them as part of our team, and part of my world.
“Whether or not they want to reflect on that achievement at the moment or it’s something they do down the track, I don’t know the answer because I’m not in their shoes. I think in time, they’ll have a chance to reflect and understand the significance of their input and output on the game.”
On having purpose when in possession:
“We try and own the footy as much as we can, but clearly we don’t want to be going backwards and sideways. You’ve got to try and advance the ball down the field. We took the space they were giving us, particularly wide early, but we were able to get it back through the corridor later on.
“It was just about winning the footy first, and winning the footy is one of the Giants’ great strengths. We had to be good in that area tonight to win the contest, and pleasingly we were, which enabled us to get the ball on the outside and move it the way we wanted.”
On the goal for the next fortnight:
“Two more wins is what we’re after, because there are two games to go. Two more wins is the goal for the campaign, and the next one is at home next Sunday in front of our fans at IKON Park against the Suns.
“We’d love to see as many people out there celebrating what our players can do week in and week out in the Navy Blue jumper. That’s the first step, and then there’s a game after that, but we’ll worry about that when we get there.”
