THE first ever Pride Round fixture at IKON Park will take place this week when the Blues take on the Tigers under Friday night lights.
Carlton’s finals fate remains in its own hands with three vital games on the horizon and wins required for the Blues to break into the eight.
After drawing a line in the sand following a disappointing Round 6 loss to the Giants, the Blues bounced back in emphatic fashion with a 27-point win over the Saints last week, to provide the confidence needed for the crucial run home.
Kerryn Peterson's 50th AFLW match provides further cause for celebration, with Carlton's skipper set to notch the milestone after crossing to AFLW from basketball in the competition's second season.
What to watch:
A stalwart of the AFLW competition, Darcy Vescio added an unexpected string to their bow last week, piecing together a dominant display in defence and providing a fresh perspective for AFLW Senior Coach Daniel Harford, who hasn’t been afraid to mix up the magnets over recent weeks.
Utilising their attacking mindset, Vescio was crucial in setting up teammates further afield, finishing the game with 15 disposals (10 contested), as well as 10 intercepts and 340 metres gained – both game-highs.
Breann Moody continued to put together a strong case for All-Australian selection come season’s end, securing a perfect 10 AFLCA votes for her Round 7 performance which consisted of 22 hitouts, three contested marks and two goals.
Young guns will again go head-to-head in the midfield, with Mimi Hill and Abbie McKay set to face off against Monique Conti and Ellie McKenzie in what is sure to be an enthralling battle.
An eye on the opposition:
The red-hot Tigers banked their fifth consecutive win last week, accounting for the Eagles on the road via a last-gasp final-quarter effort.
Former Blue Grace Egan sealed the win with back-to-back goals to secure the 19-point victory and put her side in the mix for a top-four finish come season’s end.
Lockdown defence has been the hallmark of the Tiger’s recent success, with their relentless efforts making it difficult for opposition sides to post a winning score.
Eilish Sheerin has been a revelation in that department, leading the competition for intercepts; while Conti has only solidified herself as a star of the competition, sitting third overall in the AFLCA votes thus far.
The Tigers’ depth has also been tested over recent weeks, with notable absences including skipper Katie Brennan, vice-captain Sarah Hosking and leadership group member Bec Miller.
All three will be in the mix to return on Friday night, while the Tigers will remain without Maddie Shevlin, who sustained an ankle injury in Round 6.
Last time we met:
The Blues are two from two against Richmond, last meeting the Tigers in season five, in a close-fought contest in which they came out five-point winners.
Vescio was dominant with a three-goal haul, Lucy McEvoy and Kerryn Peterson were clean with ball in hand, while Moody dominated the airways.
Game details:
IKON Park
Friday 14 October, 6:30pm AEDT
Broadcast live on 7Mate, FOX Footy, AFLW app and Kayo.
