CARLTON returned to the VFL winners' list with a resounding Round 3 victory over Essendon.

It was the Blues’ game from the start at the Hangar, leading from the opening minute of the game on the way to a 54-point win.

Madeleine Di Cosmo was her usual dominant self in the middle, picking up 19 disposals, nine tackles and five clearances, while Ashley Thorneycroft and Millie Klingbeil were equally impressive in the contest. 

Emily Hurley was strong in the ruck, totalling 31 hitouts as well as a last-minute major - in a seven-goal final term for the Blues - to seal the win. 

Quarter one 

The Blues held the territory for the majority of the term, with the Bombers not registering an inside 50 until the 13-minute mark of the term. Carlton couldn't capitalise on its dominance, however, recording only three behinds as it managed to keep Essendon scoreless in the first term. Emily Hurley was impressive in the ruck with 15 hitouts, while Millie Klingbeil was fighting it out in the centre. Madeleine Di Cosmo gathered eight disposals and two clearances in the first term and Ally Bild recorded three marks, being a key part of the Blues' offence.

Quarter two 

Carlton conceded the territory it had been building, allowing Essendon to hold the ball in its half. When the Blues did get the ball down their end, they made the most of it, kicking goals through Klingbeil and Eliza Wood. The Blues continued to dominate the hitouts through Hurley and Chloe Bain, finishing the half with 32 hitouts to the Bombers' 15. It was Carlton's ability to dominate possession which held it in good stead, totalling 19 marks to Essendon's nine at the main break. Inaccurate kicking prevented the Blues from blowing the game open, but they still went into the main break 11 points up.

Quarter three 

It was end-to-end play throughout the whole term, with neither team able to penetrate their forward 50 cleanly. Ashley Thorneycroft  contributed a clever goal and Mia Cowan’s determination around the ball couldn't be understated. Laura Robertson was solid in defence, using her body work and physicality to keep the Essendon forwards at bay. The Blues stormed into the final term with an 18-point lead.

Quarter four 

The Blues dialled it up another notch in the final term, slotting seven goals whilst keeping the Bombers to one goal to ice the contest. The first goal of the quarter was an impressive crumbing goal from Chloe Bain. Georgia Tait delivered one on the run after a classy smother from Wood, who was then rewarded for her defensive efforts with a second goal minutes later. Cowan kicked two as the Blues were able to make full use of their centre-bounce dominance, before AFLW-listed Taylor Ortlepp joined in on the fun with a soccer goal. Skipper Christina Bernardi left the field in the final term after a collision, before a goal from Hurley in the final minute gave the Blues a 54-point victory.

Match summary

ESSENDON             0.0     1.0      1.2       2.2 (14)
CARLTON               0.3      2.5      3.8      10.8 (68)

Goals: Wood 2, Cowan 2, Bain, Hurley, Klingbeil, Ortlepp, Thorneycroft, Tait

Best: Di Cosmo, Hurley, Bernardi, Klingbeil, Thorneycroft