A SECOND-HALF blitz by the Blues was not enough as they fell nine-points short to the Swans in the final practice match ahead of the 2023 AFLW season. 

It was tough and congested throughout the game, with both sides looking to move play through the middle of the ground and push numbers up to the contest. 

The Swans owned the first half, taking a 25-point lead into the main break.

However, a second-half resurgence fronted by Brea Moody, Keeley Skepper and Mia Austin saw the Blues cut the opposition lead to just three-points in the dying stages of the game. 

While a goal after the siren would push the final margin to nine points, there were many positives for the relentless Blues as they now turn their attention to their Round 1 game against the Suns.

Quarter one:

It was a tight affair from the first bounce, with both teams looking to surge numbers to the contest and lock play in at any opportunity. Keeley Sherar picked up where she had left off in the previous week's game against Melbourne, laying several tackles to help the Blues surge forward. Irish recruit Erone Fitzpatrick sparked fast attack, with her run and ability to break through tackles a real highlight of the first quarter. While the Blues were ahead on the inside-50 count, it was the Swans who were able to make the most their opportunities up forward kicking two goals to take a 13-point lead into the first break. 

Quarter two:

Carlton started the quarter with a much-more attacking approach as they looked to hit the scoreboard early in the term. However, it was once again the opposition who were able to absorb this pressure and rebound quickly to extend their lead with two-quick goals. After missing last week's game, Abbie McKay certainly made her presence felt around the ground, laying tackles and creating space for her teammates in the contest. Mia Austin was once again lively up forward with her work in the air and at ground level notable throughout the term. 

Quarter three:

It was a completely different Carlton outfit who ran out after the main break, finally able to make the most of the repeat forward entries and quick ball movement to get on the scoreboard. It was the much-loved combination of Darcy Vescio and Brea Moody who got things moving for the Blues, before Moody then slotted a second moments after. Austin was also rewarded for her hard work kicking the Blues' third of the term to cut the Swans' lead to under two goals. 

Quarter four: 

The fourth quarter began as an arm-wrestle, with neither team able to break through and drive any free-flowing play. Brooke Vickers stood up around the ground, while Marianna Anthony also found time-and-space on the wing. Both were instrumental in the Blues' surge forward, with Mimi Hill squeezing a snap out of a stoppage and putting the Blues' within three-points of the opposition. However, the comeback would go no further, as Sydney would finish eventual nine-point winners at the SCG. 

Three things from the game: 

1. A new-look combination of Mia Austin and Brea Moody seems to be a deadly combination for the Blues. The two worked well to give their teammates two strong marking options when moving forward. Add the ever-deadly Darcy Vescio and exciting Keeley Skepper to the mix and, with time, the Blues are sure to increase their scoreboard output.
   
   
2. The ferocity around the contest is something for all fans to enjoy. There were no "easy" wins for the opposition at any stoppage, with the Blues' midfield group not just intent on winning possession but also seeking to stop their ability to win the clearance. This was particularly notable in the efforts of Keeley Sherar, Abbie McKay and Brooke Vickers throughout the day. 
   
   
3. The Irish have well and truly landed at IKON Park. Erone Fitzpatrick excited those in attendance with her ability to power, speed and spark through the middle of the ground. Fitzpatrick played with confidence with her run-and-carry on show throughout the day. At the other end of the ground, Dayna Finn also looked more comfortable in defence able to impact the incoming attack of the opposition and use her speed to put pressure on the ball carrier. 

Match summary: 

SYD 2.3 4.5 4.7 5.8 (38)

CARL 0.3 0.4 3.5 4.5 (29) 

Goals: Moody 2, Austin, Hill

Bests: Moody, Austin, Skepper, Vickers, Cordner