IT WAS a game to remember at North Port Oval.

Carlton defeated Essendon by a singular point in the Round 2 AFLW clash, overcoming a late rally by the home side to record its first win of the season.

On a day where Keeley Skepper made an outstanding Navy Blue debut, it was a fast start which formed the foundation of the win.

Mimi Hill was instrumental for the Blues through the middle, winning the ball at the source to finish with 16 contested possessions and 21 disposals in a dominant display. 

With Darcy Vescio kicking the first two goals of the game, the Blues held the Bombers to just one goal for the opening half.

Second-gamer Mia Austin also recorded a major for the second straight week off the back of strong pressure, giving the Blues a comfortable lead at half time.

00:33

AFLW R2 | Austin lays tough tackle and gets rewarded moments later

Mia Austin kicks a well-deserved major after this tenacious tackle.

It was in the third term when Skepper - Austin's fellow first-round draftee - had a big impact, kicking the first goal after half time while providing class with ball in hand and pressure around the ball.

Breann Moody was arguably one of the best on ground for the Blues, finishing with 30 hitouts, nine clearances, eight contested possessions and gaining 283 metres in an all-round display.

While the Blues looked on the way to a comfortable victory, leading by 21 points at the final break, there was always the danger of the Bombers rallying in front of their home crowd. They did, creating some nervy moments when the opening three goals of the final term brought the margin back to a point.

00:27

AFLW R2 | Team song

Watch the Blues celebrate their round two win

The defence did well in the final stages, with Gab Pound and Mua Laloifi stepping up in crucial times to win the ball back from the opposition, while Abbie McKay set the standard from a physicality perspective with her nine tackles.

The siren sounded at North Port Oval with Carlton one point ahead of the arch rival, starting this new chapter of an old rivalry on a perfect Navy Blue note.

ESSENDON          1.2     1.3     1.5       4.7 (31)
CARLTON            2.1     3.1     5.2       5.2 (32)

GOALS
Carlton: Vescio 3, Austin, Skepper

BESTS
Carlton: Moody, Hill, Vescio, McKay, Skepper, Pound