NIPPING at the heels.

A difficult fourth quarter was too much for the Blues which saw them go down to the Demons at home by 10 points in Round 11.

IKON Park welcomed back Co-Captain Octavia Di Donato (19 disposals and three tackles) who was the key cog missing in the home side’s backline utilising her game knowledge, skill set and on-field leadership.

It was a Casey-driven game for the first four minutes with Carlton allowing three marks in their forward 50. The pressure quickly mounted though with Izzy Khoury (16 disposals and four tackles) and Eliza Wood (17 disposals and nine tackles).

Casey’s fast start resulted in them kicking a goal early in the game, but Sophia McCarthy quickly responded with a major of her own to open Carlton’s account.

The Demons took a slight lead into the first break, but not for very long as Hannah Bowey (13 disposals and four tackles) kicked a right foot snap for the first goal of the second quarter.

Carlton led by three points at half time thanks to a stunning goal by Izzy Khoury after the siren. Her tackle was strong enough to draw a ‘holding the ball’ free from 35 metres out.

In the blink of an eye, the visitors kicked the first three goals of the third quarter, pushing their lead out to 15 points. The Blues answered the call and went on to kick two majors of their own.

There was no issue flooding down the field from Carlton. Starting the play with a mark from Layla Prince near the defensive goal square, and then the smarts to handball to Bella Caminiti who was on the move worked wonders when working the ball back to go forward.

Now getting into the momentum of the game after a goal of her own, Georgia Tait received a long kick from Katie Prendergast and continued to streak down the wing of the field.

Tait’s kick fell perfectly in Amelie Moore’s pocket who stepped around her defender to kick the goal of the day from 40 metres out. This was only Moore's second game in the Navy Blue.

The Blues looked complete in the second and third quarters. They persevered when placed in uncomfortable situations and they were able to finish off their hard work through kicking goals.

The fourth quarter however had red and blue written all over it. It wasn’t a high-scoring quarter, but one goal was enough to reach the tipping point and take the win. Carlton scored just one behind in that quarter, showcasing how determined Casey were to get the win.

In what was an improved performance over the past few weeks, the players can go into next week with the confidence of knowing they’re able to reduce significant deficits, now needing to focus on closing out games.

Match summary

CARLTON               1.0     3.1     5.1     5.3 (32)

CASEY                    1.2     2.4     5.5     6.6 (42)

GOALS

Bowey, Khoury, McCarthy, Moore, Tait

BEST

Baldwin, Bowey, Di Donato, Di Santo, Mooney