A strong final quarter has seen Carlton break away from Greater Western Sydney to record a 13-point win at Ikon Park.
The Giants kept a narrow lead for most of the day before five successive goals saw the Blues home 7.5 (47) to 5.4 (34).
Carlton marquees Darcy Vescio and Brianna Davey were instrumental again, combining for 25 disposals, seven marks and two goals.
GALLERY: See the Blues' victory over the Giants in pictures
The win sees Carlton regain its spot on top of the NAB AFL Women’s ladder, as almost 8,000 fans looked on.
It was over when…
Blues ruckman Alison Downie roved a pack in the forward pocket and snapped around her body with ease to dribble a goal home in the fourth quarter. It was Carlton’s fourth goal in a row after trailing by 13 points in the third term.
At the end of the day
The Giants came into this game missing their two marquee midfielders in Renee Forth and Emma Swanson, but they held up strong in the area, winning the clearance battle for most of the game. Jess Dal Pos and No.1 draft pick Nicola Barr were excellent in the engine room.
On the rise
GWS ruckman Emma McKinnon came into this game as both the youngest player in the competition (18) and the tallest (189cm). She won the hit-out battle with 22 and gave her rovers first use of the ball.
What’s next?
Carlton will travel to South Australia to take on Adelaide in what will be a top-of-the-table clash, while GWS will host its first game at home against Fremantle.
CARLTON 1.0, 2.3, 4.4, 7.5 (47)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 2.1, 2.2, 4.4, 5.4 (34)
GOALS
Carlton: Vescio 2, Jakobsson, Audley, Brazzale, Downie, Pound
Greater Western Sydney: Barclay, Schmidt, Dal Pos, McWilliams, Wallett
BEST
Carlton: Davey, Arnell, Exon, Jakobsson, Vescio
Greater Western Sydney: Dal Pos, Schmidt, Guest, Beeson, Barclay
INJURIES
Carlton: Nil
Greater Western Sydney: Dal Pos (neck)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Waddington, Toner, Sommerville
Official Crowd: 7,884 at Ikon Park
