A WIN that made history.
Carlton claimed the four points in its maiden clash with Essendon and did so in dramatic circumstances, clutching a one-point victory at ETU Stadium on Sunday.
After leading by 21 points at three-quarter time, the Blues were forced to weather an Essendon storm in the final term, withstanding significant pressure to seal victory.
For captain Kerryn Peterson, she always knew the opposition would raise the pressure gauge.
“Essendon were terrific in the way they pressed in that fourth quarter,” Peterson told Channel 7 post-match.
“The way they played against the Hawks last week, their game was built around pressure, so we knew it was going to come. I’m really proud of the way we were able to withstand that in the last quarter in particular.”
The midfield battle was intriguing all day, and the area which Peterson pinpointed as where the Bombers were able to turn the tables late in the game.
“They got on top in the clearances, I think they won the clearances in particular in that third quarter so that’s something to look at during the week – how we can get back on top and shift the momentum."
While there are areas to build upon, Peterson will happily take the four points back to IKON Park.
“In the end, we’ll take our first win of the year and we’re going to build on this for sure.”
Key forward Darcy Vescio was equally pleased with their side’s ability to withstand opposition pressure, despite the finish being tighter than expected.
“It was bit stressful at the end there – [the last quarter was] not exactly how we planned but you’d rather end up on top in those ones,” Vescio said speaking to 7AFL.
“We had to really absorb pressure in the last quarter so we did really well.”
Vescio booted three goals from their 11 disposals, but was quick to credit the unity of the group as a key to success.
“I think with expansion done, we have belief that if we lock in now we can have sustained success.
“It’s important for us to lock in the people who want to be around and that’s what we’ve got.”
