Carlton has gone down to the NT Thunder by seven points in a thrilling contest at La Trobe University.
A windy Saturday afternoon made conditions difficult for both teams, with the Blues unable to hold onto a half-time lead as a fast-finishing NT Thunder stole a hard-fought victory.
Quarter-by-quarter breakdown:
Q1:
Carlton’s aggressive tackling was on show in the first term, with Jess Hosking’s natural attack on the ball shining through. Natalie Plane and Madison Prespakis were also exceptional in the midfield, with their clean hands and run-and-carry highlights of the first quarter. Breann Moody opened the scoring for Blues, after taking a great contested grab in the goal square.
Q2:
Nicola Stevens was proactive with the ball in hand, getting into great spots and kicking a wonderful long goal. Prespakis looked composed in her first game back with the Blues, finding plenty of time and space, while Jess Hosking was a standout in defence, marking everything on that came her way. Teresa Cassar poked a goal through late in the term to give the Blues a small lead heading into the main break.
Q3:
The Thunder started the term on the attack, kicking two quick goals to claim the lead back from the Blues. A goal to Plane helped keep the Blues in the game, while Abbie McKay also began to assert her presence on the game. Former Northern Knights forward Marnie Jarvis kicked her first VFLW goal to put the Blues within six points at the final change.
Q4:
The Blues had the breeze in the last quarter and did everything they could to take full advantage of it. Sarah Wright kicked her first VFLW goal while Jarvis impressed with her ability to create opportunities inside 50. While a huge goal to Mia-Rae Clifford helped keep the momentum with the Blues, the Thunder finished fast to run away with the win.
Shan’s Player of the Day: Abbie McKay
“I just thought Abbie really created a lot of run for us through those stoppages.
“Her skills are definitely developing and today was just a really good day for her to be able to show us how she can link up and run the footy.”
Match summary:
CARLTON: 1.2, 3.3, 5.4, 7.4 (46)
NT: 2.1, 2.3, 6.4. 8.5 (53)
Goals:
Moody, Stevens, Cassar, Plane, S Wright, Jarvis, Clifford
Best:
McKay, Prespakis, J Hosking, Stevens, Cassar
