OFF the back of two draws in as many weeks, the Blues will seek to turn two points into four when they come up against the Demons under Friday night lights at IKON Park.
The Blues lamented what could have been in their draw with the Power in Round 3, and although it may have been the same result against Fremantle in the week that followed, the feeling did differ.
On the road, down two players on the bench and kicking into the breeze in the final term, the Blues rallied to boot three goals in the final term and fly home with two points.
The comeback did come at a cost, with Phoebe McWilliams sustaining a season-ending stress fracture, while Darcy Vescio, Amelia Velardo and Paige Trudgeon are also set to miss the Blues' Round 5 clash.
What to watch:
Senior Coach Daniel Harford spun the magnets last week against Fremantle and it will be a matter of which changes stick come Friday night.
Annie Lee’s move into the forward 50 proved fruitful, with the young defender booting her first goal in AFLW in the final term.
Lee wasn’t the only player to slot their first goal at the elite level, with second-gamer Imogen Milford hitting the scoreboard in what was just reward for her hard work. Without the experienced McWilliams, Milford will be a vital marking target for the Blues.
Abbie McKay recorded her third career-best disposal count in four weeks, continuing her midfield dominance with 19 contested possessions and eight tackles. With apt support from reigning Rising Star winner Mimi Hill, the duo will look to capitalise on ball won in the centre of the ground to minimise delivery to Melbourne's dangerous forward line.
Granting first use will also be key, with the ruck contest between Breann Moody and Lauren Pearce one to keep a close eye on. The pair, who have claimed rights to the last two All-Australian selections, have started their respective seasons in stellar form.
Keeley Skepper will also look to continue her consistent start to her AFLW career, which was duly acknowledged with a Round 4 Rising Star nomination.
An eye on the opposition:
Melbourne will be looking to bounce back following their top-of-the-table clash with Brisbane, where they fell short by 15 points on their home deck.
It was the Dees’ first loss of their season seven campaign, with their three previous wins placing the reigning Grand Finalists comfortably within the top four.
Lily Mithen is coming off a best-on-ground performance to cap a strong start to her season seven campaign, winning a game-high 23 disposals and laying seven tackles against the Lions.
Liv Purcell has reclaimed her best form after returning from an ACL injury in season six, while Kate Hore has been customarily dangerous in front of goal.
Welcome, Christina Bernardi!
— Carlton Women's (@carltonfc_w) September 21, 2022
After completing the pre-season with us as a train-on player, the former All Australian has been elevated to our squad.
Last time we met:
The Blues will take confidence from their last meeting with the Demons, taking it right up to the eventual Grand Finalists and falling just one point short in their final home-and-away match of season six.
The Game Changers produced their best performance of the season against a Melbourne team who had everything to play for.
Game details:
IKON Park
Friday 23 September, 7:30pm AEST
