CARLTON have secured their third win of the season against the winless Bulldogs in what was a huge match for the Blues’ season.
It was the returning brigade of stars that led the way for the away side, with Lily Goss and Jen Lew providing the extra class that the side has been missing.
Carlton will be hoping the win can springboard their run home as they hunt for post-season football.
Quarter One
It was a very fast start for Carlton after Esther Honybun kicked a goal within the first two minutes of the game. The away side were able to hold the ball in and with some great ball use by they were presented with multiple opportunities. The Blues were unable to convert them however, quickly racking up four consecutive behinds. That was where it ended though after Vanessa Murphy bounced her shot through the big sticks for Carlton’s second of the term. By the time the siren went, it was the Blues’ inaccurate set shots that were keeping the Bulldogs in the hunt.
Quarter two
The Bulldogs had the better start to the second term with the ball living in their forward half to start the quarter off. Carlton’s defence held off well though, only allowing a solitary behind. The Blues slowly began to drag the ball up the field where contest became a stalemate on the wing. The Bulldogs continued to play the more offensive football, however the contested nature of the play meant there were very little opportunities presented for either side during the quarter.
Quarter three
The third term began in very similar fashion to the first, with Carlton dominating from the outset. Strong forward Mia Cowan finally added goals to her impressive game, kicking two from short range to give Carlton a five-goal lead. The Bulldogs had an instant reply however, kicking their first of the game to keep the home side in it. The Bulldogs were winning the territory battle, once again though the Carlton defence were up to the challenge with the likes of Nadia Moore and Jen Lew proving tough nuts to crack.
Quarter four
The last quarter started with some sting as both sides upped their tackling pressure. It took 10 minutes for the term to have a goal, coming off the boot of Laura Robertson, who snapped accurately out of the pack. With both teams growing tired, the pace of ball movement became slower, and stoppages became increasingly common. At the final siren, it was Carlton who ran out comfortable winners.
Match Summary:
Carlton 2.6.18 2.6.18 4.8.32 5.9.39
Bulldogs 0.0.0 0.2.2 1.4.10 1.5.11
Goals: Cowan 2, Robertson, Honybun, Murphy.
Best: Goss, Murphy, Lew, Cowan, Jordan.
Stafford says:
“A great result today, we got off to a fantastic start where it was high pressure on the ball early and we were able to withstand the pressure when the Bulldogs had their momentum. I thought we withstood that well to get the game back on our terms and finish off the game nice and strong. Fantastic for the girls to get some great reward.”
