BACK to the drawing board.

A powerful second-half performance by Greater Western Sydney overpowered a strong-starting Carlton at IKON Park.

There was no lack of experience across both sides, as Carlton lined up with 12 AFLW-listed players and Greater Western Sydney fielded 11.

Carlton was able to get plenty of the ball, but Greater Western Sydney was able to make the most of their opportunities and shots on goal. A back-and-forth first term went to show how tight this encounter was going to be.

Marianna Anthony kicked off the game early with a bang, opening Carlton’s account in style. Her game smarts were on another level in her first VFLW outing of the year, soccer kicking the ball as she was getting tackled to slot the ball between the two middle posts.

Also in her first VFLW appearance in 2024, Lily Goss was a monster in defence for the Blues with 10 tackles, giving the Giants a headache around the field.

The connection between Mia Austin (two goals, eight disposals and four tackles) and Keeley Skepper (19 disposals, five tackles and five marks) was unstoppable down the line, able to spot the space and find each other on the lead.

Carlton scored three goals in the second quarter to build themselves up for a big third quarter. They led by as much as 20 points before GWS responded quickly, scoring a goal just before the main break.

In the blink of an eye, the Giants climbed back and took the lead, increasing it to 15 by three-quarter time. Greater Western Sydney was a mighty force in the third quarter, kicking four goals and leaving Carlton scoreless for the term.

Truly playing a captain's game, Octavia Di Donato led from the back to try and get her side back in the contest and challenge the Giants for the lead again. Her 27 disposals helped the flow of the ball down the field to get it to the desired targets.

Austin’s second goal for the game came late in the fourth in an attempt to place some pressure on the Giants, but it was too late as Greater Western Sydney slid away, winning by eight points. 

Match summary

CARLTON       1.2     4.4      4.4       5.5 (35)

GWS                 1.1     2.3      6.7       6.7 (43)

GOALS

Austin (2), Anthony, Keck, McCarthy

BEST

Austin, Demeo, Di Donato, Goss, Guerin, Skepper