CARLTON put on a spirited performance in their first real test of the pre-season, with individuals impressing despite a 21-point defeat in Saturday's match simulation at IKON Park.

In their first outing under new Coach Mathew Buck against opposition, Carlton was in the contest until the very end against the reigning premiers, demonstrating a hard-at-it style, contested attitude and composed movement around the ground. 

The Blues' young midfield brigade of Mimi Hill, Keeley Sherar and Lily Goss fought hard against experienced opposition, while new Blue Harriet Cordner slotted seamlessly into the backline with immediate impact. 

Don't miss a moment of the 2023 AFLW Season! Here's everything you need to know about getting to a game at IKON Park. 

Around the ground, fans would be pleased to see the confidence of young Blues such as Marianna Anthony, Maddie Hendrie, Erone Fitzpatrick and Dayna Finn who all played with great intent. 

Carlton will now turn its attention to the practice match against Sydney next Saturday at the SCG. 

Here is how the game played out. 

Quarter one: 

The Blues came out with great intent in the first quarter, moving the ball smoothly and efficiently around the ground. Coupled with their pressure around the contest driven largely by Lily Goss and Mimi Hill, the Blues were able to control the game for the majority of the term. Around the ground, Keeley Sherar’s ability to read the play and win the ball was important as was Marianna Anthony’s hard running on the wing. The Blues' relentless efforts were rewarded when Keeley Skipper found space in the forward line to kick the only goal of the quarter. 

Quarter two:

The Demons showed their experience in the second period, able to regain ascendency over the Blues. Repeat forward entries put the defenders under pressure: however, through the experience of captain Kerryn Peterson and new Blue Harriet Cordner, Carlton was able to absorb much of the pressure for the term. Play levelled out towards the end of the period, as two goals to the Demons saw the reigning premiers take an eight-point lead into the break.

Quarter three

It was a much more composed Blues unit who came out after the break, playing with the same aggression as the first period. Brea Moody began to have an impact in her dual role as ruck and forward, kicking an early goal on the back of a clever centring pass from Darcy Vescio. Daisy Walker also entered the game for the first time in the afternoon and was given the role on Melbourne's Tayla Harris: the young defender didn’t let the imposing task slow her down, winning several one-on-one contests in the air and at ground level. 

Quarter four:

Both teams struggled to gain ascendency in the fourth period, as the contest tightened up around the ground. Repeat entries would finally pay off for the Demons, kicking away towards the end of the period to extend their final winning margin to 21 points. Young Blue Maddy Hendrie was stoic in defence, moving well and continue to compete as the game went on.

Match summary: 

CARLTON            1.0     1.1     2.1       2.2 (14)
MELBOURNE     0.1     2.3     3.5        5.5 (35)

Goals: Skepper, Moody
Bests: Hill, Moody, Sherar, Cordner, Goss