The Blues have achieved a resounding victory in the final round of the home and away season, concluding the inaugural pride match with an impressive 67-point win.

Round 14 marked a significant moment for the VFLW with the introduction of the inaugural pride match between Carlton and Darebin. The event was filled with pride, evident through the display of flags, posters, and a shared banner for both teams to run through before the game.

The Blues demonstrated their dominance throughout the entire match against the Falcons, who occupied the bottom position in the league. The Blues knew that securing a victory was crucial to guarantee their first-ever appearance in the finals.

Once again, Christina Bernardi demonstrated her brilliance on the field, scoring an impressive five goals. Her exceptional performance earned her the prestigious VFLW Pride match medal. Patty Kinnersly, the co-vice president of the Carlton board presented the medal to her at the conclusion of the game.

Quarter one 

The quarter started with a rapid goal from Christina Bernardi, who skilfully found the middle of the goals within 30 seconds of the first bounce. Kasey Lennox displayed her defensive prowess by picking up loose kicks from the opposition and effectively moving the ball down the ground. The Blues' second goal was scored by Emily Hurley, providing further momentum to their game. A fantastic sequence began with Thomay Nicolaou picking up the ball, and executing a well-timed handball to Joyce Dunn, who then passed it back to Nicolaou. The play continued with a precise handball to Octavia Di Donto, who confidently finished it off with a goal. Bernardi showcased her goal-scoring ability once again, kicking the final goal for the Blues in the quarter. 

Quarter two 

A big first term had set the Blues up with a decent lead, keeping the Falcons scoreless in the first term where they amassed a 27-point lead. Amelia Klingbeil started the term with a big tackle, as the footy moved down the middle to give Ester Honybun her first goal. The Falcons managed their first, but Bernardi quickly responded by slotting her third. Maddie Di Cosmo was racking up the disposals, making her way past defenders and gathering clearances. Nicolaou got her first goal, extending the Blue’s lead to 38 points at the main break.

Quarter three 

Chloe Bain was dominant in the ruck and Joyce was effectively disposing by foot. Isabelle Khoury was intimidating in contests, allowing her to be the first to the ball. Di Cosmo kicked a well-deserved goal, and Klingbeil gained plenty of meters as the Falcons midfielders lacked speed through the centre. A fourth goal came for Bernardi who was looking unstoppable. Ashlee Thorneycroft was tackling well along with Madison Katerelos. The Blues were dominating the stats, leading inside 50s, kicks, handballs and the overall disposal count.

Quarter four 

The final quarter came with intermittent rain falling at IKON Park. The Blues had a substantial lead, and it was only growing when Bernardi slotted her fifth and final for the game. Eliza Wood joined the long list of goal scorers only two minutes later and Klingbeil scored a behind. Katerelos got the last major of the day - her first VFLW goal - as the Blues were victorious for the third straight week. The game concluded with an inside 50 count of 39 to 11 and a final score of 81 to 14, a 67-point win.

Game summary 

CARLTON   4.3   7.3   9.6  12.9 (81)
DAREBIN   0.0   1.1   2.1   2.2 (14)

Goals: Bernardi 5, Di Cosmo, Di Donato, Honybun, Hurley, Katerelos, Nicolaou, Wood.