TOUGH day at the office.
Despite a hard-fought third quarter to claw back the deficit, Carlton couldn’t finish off their comeback and fell to Darebin in their Round 8 hit-out.
A difficult first half for Carlton saw the deficit get out to a game-high 25 points, which also ended up being the final margin.
The Falcons hosted the annual Pride Round at Preston City Oval in what was a powerful performance from the home side.
There were some strong patches of play though from Carlton and they won several areas across the field, however, the Falcons reigned supreme with a consistent performance across the four quarters.
Mel Staunton kicked the ball inside 50 with eyes for Sophia McCarthy. McCarthy tapped the ball behind her to an on-the-run Georgia Tait heading straight for the goal square and kicking the first of the game for the visitors.
Both teams brought the heat in defence evening out the playing field in tackles. It was the intercept marks that hurt Carlton the most as Darebin were able to block out the free space and win the ball cleanly in the air.
Hannah Bowey (20 disposals, three clearances, three tackles and three marks) came alive in the second half getting in and amongst all the action with great vision looking down field to her teammates.
Two other players who had a field day for the Blues were Amy Trindade (one goal, 23 disposals, eight marks and five tackles) and Hannah Scott (24 disposals and five marks) in her second game at this level.
Trindade’s goal broke a five-goal run for the Falcons and began a momentum shift for the Blues.
The assist from Eliza Wood (12 disposals, five marks and four tackles) gave her enough confidence to look into the forward 50 again on the next play and sight Sophie McCarthy who made a strong lead forward. McCarthy went on to kick the next goal.
The lack of scoring opportunities is what hurt the Blues the most entering their inside 50 19 times compared to Darebin’s 34.
These teams will meet again in Round 14 on 23 June at IKON Park where Carlton will be looking for redemption.
Match summary
DAREBIN 2.3 3.5 5.5 7.6 (48)
CARLTON 1.0 1.2 3.4 3.5 (23)
GOALS
Bowey, Fitzgerald, Scott, Trindade, Wood
BEST
McCarthy, Tait, Trindade
