CARLTON’S emerging stars have teamed up with its experienced campaigners to charge to a hard-fought victory in perfect conditions for football.

After a gritty first quarter, which saw Brea Moody produce a highlight-reel worthy goal to open the scoring for the day, the Blues trailed into the quarter time by one-point thanks to a late Swans goal.

Sydney came out swinging in the second quarter, quickly adding their second goal to the scoreboard. But the Blues hit their stride, led by a strong Phoebe McWilliams contested mark and goal, Mia Austin and Erone Fitzpatrick quickly continued their recent goal-kicking ways to give Carlton a handy two-goal lead at the main break.

A goalless third quarter from the Blues was countered with two goals from the Swans, setting up a frantic final quarter as the teams swapped ends with the Blues leading by three points.

From the start of the final term the Blues had scoring on the mind, with Mimi Hill capping off a strong team push up the field.

After that, Carlton were pressing up the ground and threatening their attacking zone with nine inside 50s in the final quarter, but only managed minor scores.

But it was when the Swans put attacking pressure on that saw the Blues band together and continue their 'never-back-down' approach to close games and grind their way to a victory that was celebrated by the Carlton faithful.

Carlton’s fight was generated from the midfield, with Jess Good and Abbie McKay once again teaming up to help setup the well-rounded team effort.

Good continued her impressive season, with her strong ruck craft and hard work off the ball, which set Abbie McKay up for another textbook performance out of the middle.

McKay’s bullish efforts around the ball rewarded her with 25 disposals, 15 contested possessions and nine clearances, alongside a strong defensive performance highlighted with eight tackles.

Keeley Sherar and Blues' captain Kerryn Peterson continued their positive form from Round 4, setting the standard for their forward and defensive teammates to meet.

As the season hits the half-way point, Carlton sit on three wins and look to build on the the positives that are apparent in the Mathew Buck era.

Match summary 

CARLTON                     0.1    5.1    5.4   6.8 (44)

SYDNEY                       3.0    3.1    5.1   6.3 (39)

GOALS 

Carlton: Austin 2, Moody, McWilliams, Fitzpatrick, Hill

BEST 

Carlton: Moody, Peterson, McKay, Hill, Austin

INJURIES 

Carlton: Velardo (abdomen)