CARLTON ended their preseason in a gutsy 18-point loss to Adelaide on Sunday, but there were plenty of promising signs that they can carry into their 2024 season.

The Crows started the game off hot, claiming back-to-back midfield clearances which resulted in two early goals.

The Blues tried to bounce back, with Keeley Sherar and Abbie McKay working hard to move the Sherrin forward, however, Adelaide’s defence was well-prepared behind the ball.
 
While the start to the quarter was disappointing, Carlton managed to finish on a high with a quick transition from Dayna Finn, Gab Pound and McKay ending in a Sherar goal after the quarter-time siren.

Defender Harriet Cordner was everywhere on the ground all afternoon, pushing high up the ground to assist her teammates on the wing and forward flanks, while Gen Lawson-Tavan put in strong aerial contested work in the defensive 50. 

Ruck Breann Moody was also a looming figure for the Blues, applying consistent pressure, which resulted in a massive smother in the middle and providing a strong marking target down the line.

After a scoreless second quarter, Cartlon came out firing in the second half with a classy goal from third-year player Keeley Skepper setting the tone, as Finn again provided the clearance from the midfield.

Maddy Guerin took a big contested mark at high half-forward, quickly playing on to boot the ball forward. Moody then took to the grass to go on a one-on-one chase in an otherwise empty forward 50, resulting in a much-needed goal for the away side.
 
Forward Mia Austin was quick to join in the scoring flurry, soccering the ball through in an exciting finish.
 
Adelaide was able to bounce back in the final quarter, however, keeping the Carlton defenders under constant pressure.

Draftee Meg Robertson showed promising signs at half-back, making second efforts on her players and crumbing from the back of the back. Defender Lulu Beatty also had exciting moments at half back, connecting well with Darcy Vescio on the wing.

The connection between co-vice captains McKay and Mimi Hill was on full display, clearing out the midfield to penetrate the Blues’ forward line.

The Blues will look to regroup and deliver a strong performance against the Hawks in Round 1 on Sunday 1 September.

Match summary

ADELAIDE: 3.2   5.4   6.4   7.8 (50)
CARLTON: 1.1   1.1   4.2   5.2 (32)
 
GOALS: Sherar, Skepp, B. Moody, Austin, Finn