IT WAS A disappointing night at IKON Park, with Carlton falling to North Melbourne by 69 points.

North Melbourne dominated from the opening bounce, with the Blues struggling to get the Sherrin into their forward 50.

Mimi Hill and Abbie McKay led from the front, with the pair being elevated to co-captains in the absence of Kerryn Peterson who was out from a shoulder injury, but their efforts were hampered by North Melbourne defenders.

The Blues’ defence was under constant pressure as the ball lived in North’s forward line, with the away team slotting five goals in the first term. Gab Pound did her best to move it out, but the 2023 grand finalists were well prepared and swung momentum.

While there was improvement with the Blues’ ball movement as the game progressed, Carlton wasn’t able to reflect it on the scoreboard.

Celine Moody was able to finally get the Blues on the board in the third, kicking her first major in the Navy Blue. Lila Keck also had her moments, making quick decisions to move the ball quickly into the Blues forward line.

Unfortunately, McKay left the field with a lower leg injury in the third term, leaving the midfield under the pump. 

Jess Dal Pos was able to show her leadership, gritting her teeth to get the ball moving forward despite the large scoreline, however, the Carlton forwards were overpowered in the air and on the ground.

The Blues won’t have time to dwell on the disappointing result, now having to prepare to travel to Adelaide to face Port Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.

Match summary

CARLTON 0.1 0.3 1.3 1.4 (10)

NORTH MELBOURNE 5.3 7.5 10.6 12.7 (79)

GOALS
Celine Moody

BEST
Hill, McKay, Sherar, B Moody, Good