In Bry Gurr’s 50th consecutive VFLW match for the Blues, the team rose to the occasion and put on a stellar effort to take home a 36-point win.
Playing at home for the second week, sunny conditions allowed for the Blues to have a steady start to the game and finish in a consistent manner.
As the game progressed, the Blues proved too powerful for the Bulldogs, who struggled to convert inside 50.
Quarter one
The game got off to a quick start as the ball was moved inside 50, where Eliza Wood was a key target for the midfielders. Plenty of stoppages came throughout the quarter, where the Blues made sure the ball was kept inside 50. Amelia Klingbeil gave the Blues plenty of opportunities in the forward half, while Gab Pound showed her skill level, creating a flowing ball movement in the middle. A few handy behinds throughout the quarter and a controlling term saw the Bulldogs scoreless going into the first break.
Quarter two
The second quarter saw the Blues make a strong scoreboard impact with an early goal in the first minutes from Keeley Skepper, then followed by another major from Ashlee Thorneycroft. The defence was put to the test in the second term as the Bulldogs spent some time in their forward 50, scoring their first for the game. Taylor Ortlepp was key inside 50, drawing plenty of ball. The main break came with the Blues up by eight points.
Quarter three
The third quarter was heavily dominated by the Blues, with Jess Good providing plenty of clearances through the middle. Keeley Sherar put pressure on the opposition, making big tackles inside 50 and Chloe Wrigley followed suit. Octavia Di Donato provided strong work rate and helped move the ball nicely through the midfield, while Bry Gurr delivered plenty of handballs to move the ball at a face pace down the ground. Wood was rewarded for her pressure inside 50 with a goal and Imogen Milford took a strong mark to slot one directly in front. The Blues defensive pressure saw the Bulldogs fumble the ball and remain goalless going into the last quarter.
Quarter four
The final term was strong from a defensive perspective. Long kicking and strong marking contests down back gave Marianna Anthony various options to move the ball quickly. Ortlepp showed her attacking skills through her agile movement to score the only goal for the Blues in the fourth quarter. Ocatvia Di Donto didn’t slow down in the final term, taking numerous marks and driving the ball forward. The Bulldogs were once again scoreless in the quarter, finishing the game with only one goal. Miskicks in front of goal saw the Blues finish with 15 behinds, but the group prevailed with a 36-point win.
Absolutely nothing to get sick of here. 🎶 pic.twitter.com/m0NWOflEY8
— Carlton Women's (@carltonfc_w) May 13, 2023
MATCH SUMMARY
CARLTON 0.5 2.7 4.12 5.15 (45)
BULLDOGS 0.0 1.2 1.3 1.3 (9)
GOALS: Keeley Skepper, Ashlee Thorneycroft, Imogen Milford, Eliza Wood, Taylor Ortlepp
