Carlton has secured its first victory in the lead-up to the inaugural AFL Women's competition, defeating Melbourne by 43 points in front of a home crowd at Ikon Park, 8.4.52 to 1.3.9.
It was a tough and aggressive opening quarter by both sides, with Blues marquee Darcy Vescio delighting the home faithful with a stunning snap for goal to ensure a quarter time lead.
More run was on show in the second term, combining aggression and commitment to each contest, which saw the Demons hit the scoreboard for what was to be their only major of the match.
By the time the siren was blown for half-time, the Blues held just a two-point lead to set up an intriguing second half.
Sarah Hosking was one of the Blues' star performers. (Photo: Carlton Media)
Coach Damien Keeping would’ve been pleased with what he saw, rallying his troops to hold strong at the main break before finishing well.
Carlton didn’t take long to extend the two-point margin with Gabriella Pound running onto a loose ball for a certain major in the opening minute.
The Demons, though, continued to test the Blues’ resilence with high pressure and clinical precision by hand and foot, but couldn’t challenge the home side on the scoreboard.
In a highly contested game, the Blues were holding onto an eight-point advantage with a quarter to play.
The last term was to be a quarter unrivalled by the visitors, with Carlton executing to perfection six consecutive goals to Melbourne’s solitary behind.
Blues marquee signings Brianna Davey and Darcy Vescio (two goals) shone with their class, while Nat Exon (two goals) and Sarah Hosking provided great pressure and run over the ground.
Gabriella Pound (No.6), captain Lauren Arnelll and Lauren Brazzale (No.12) celebrate a goal. (Photo: Carlton Media)
SCOREBOARD AT IKON PARK
CARLTON 1.1 1.2 2.4 8.4 (52)
MELBOURNE 0.0 1.0 1.2 1.3 (9)
GOALS: Vescio 2, Exon 2, Shierlaw, Pound, Lucas-Rodd, Jakobsson
BEST: Vescio, Davey, Exon, S.Hosking
