CARLTON has fallen to a second consecutive defeat after falling to GWS by 18 points.
On a blustery day at Henson Park, the Blues were wasteful against a fiery Giants outfit in the 1.5 (11) to 4.5 (29) defeat.
In Gab Pound’s 50th game and Taylor Ortlepp’s debut, the Blues were one short in the opening stages after a shoulder injury to Lily Goss.
Starting the game in attack, it was Pound who looked to gain momentum for the Blues. In her milestone game, a holding-the-ball free kick and true set shot got the Blues on the board: in doing so, she continued the perfect return of Game Changers in their 50th hitting the scoreboard.
However, it was an all-too-rare moment of quality in attack for the Blues, who had the ascendancy in the contest but couldn’t make that count where it matters.
Continuing the theme of recent weeks, Abbie McKay (23 disposals) and Mimi Hill (21 disposals) were Carlton’s prime movers in the middle, combining for six clearances in the first term on the way to 11 for the game.
Winning the clearances by 10, it was the good work of Breann Moody and Jess Good in the ruck - with 40 hitouts to five - that gave the Blues first use.
Trailing by 13 points at the main break, Carlton had a brief flurry in the third term, keeping GWS scoreless. It wasn’t to much avail, however, as the Blues were unable to convert their opportunities into goals, kicking just one goal from eight shots on goal.
But the Giants were able to dominate possession around the ground, finishing with 60 marks for the game and recording the majority of their four goals on the back of repeat entries and Blues turnovers: 38 inside 50s to 27 was indicative of the home side’s forward territory.
Not for the first time in 2022, Mua Laloifi was engaged in an enthralling battle with her direct opponent. While Cora Staunton kicked the final two goals of the game, there wasn’t much more Laloifi could’ve done for her side, collecting 13 intercepts among her 16 disposals.
The Game Changers return to action next Friday night, taking on St Kilda at RSEA Park.
GWS GIANTS 2.2 3.4 3.4 4.5 (29)
CARLTON 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.6 (11)
GOALS
Carlton: Pound
BESTS
Carlton: Laloifi, McKay, Moody, Peterson, Hill
