CARLTON have kicked off the 2023 season the best way possible, fighting off a late-charging Gold Coast outfit in front of a sea of Navy Blue on a perfect day for football at IKON Park.

After a slow start in the first quarter - with the Gold Coast looking threatening - it was a vintage Darcy Vescio highlight mark and classy finish in the goal square that steadied the ship as the Blues took control of the quarter.

New Blue (but seasoned AFLW player) Harriet Cordner led from the back, forcing errant kicking from the Suns and setting up a strong rebounding performance to keep Gold Coast goalless going into quarter time.

The second quarter kicked off in style, with first-gamer Marianna Anthony slotting through her first career goal, met with a wave of excitement from teammates and the Carlton faithful. The major topped off a fierce debut performance for Anthony, with the midfielder laying 11 tackles and impacting with four inside 50s.

The first gamers were impressive all over the ground, with Irish recruit Erone Fitzpatrick showing her love for the contest, throwing her body around every chance she got, being rewarded with five contested possessions and three tackles.

A strong showing around the stoppage helped the Blues lead at by seven points at the main break.

The focus on a high-pressure game in the pre-season was in full effect as the Blues came out and capitalised on turnovers and quick ball movement to stretch the lead thanks to another classy Vescio goal.

The strong performance from the star forward kept the wheels turning as Abbie McKay showed her love for a highlight, bursting through a pack to slot through the goal of the day.

The ferocious pace continued early in the final quarter as a courageous Keeley Sherar smother spilled to Keeley Skepper, who set up a third Vescio goal and the Blues looked certain to run home certain victors.

The Gold Coast weren’t done just yet, kicking the last three goals of the game to send some concern through the Blues camp, but the Blues went back to the game plan and shut done the defensive 50 late in the final quarter to secure the victory with a thrilling two-point win.

Match summary

CARLTON          1.2     2.4     4.4    5.4  (34)
GOLD COAST    0.3     1.3     1.5    4.8  (32)

GOALS
Carlton: Vescio 3, Anthony, McKay

BEST
Carlton: Vescio, Anthony, Sherar, Dal Pos, McKay

Crowd: 3,244 at IKON Park