A DOMINANT final quarter has seen Carlton record its second win of the season against Williamstown in Round 11 of the VFLW season.
In one of its most complete performances of the season to date, Carlton was a class above the opposition, leading at every change to finish the day with a 33-point victory.
While it was a true team performance, the three-goal effort of Jess Hosking was a highlight, with the AFLW star adding yet another string to her bow. Around the ground, Sarah Wright continued to build on an impressive debut season, while Courteney Bromage was a class above the rest playing across the backline.
Georgie Parker played an important role in her first game in the Navy Blue, able to keep Williamstown's star forward Moana Hope to just one goal for the day.
Quarter-by-quarter:
Q1:
It was all Carlton in the first quarter, with the Blues dominating the run of the play right around the ground. Jess Hosking’s athleticism in the forward line caused trouble for the opposition defenders early, with the 23-year-old slotting the Blues’ first two goals of the game. Courteney Bromage was influential around the contest while down back, Mia Rae-Clifford ensured that the Seagulls did not get any easy possessions.
Q2:
The intensity increased around the ground in the second quarter, as Williamstown responded to make it a much-tighter contest. The Blues managed to hold their nerve, led particularly by the efforts by Nat Plane and Maddy Prespakis. Bry Gurr’s first goal of the day helped the Blues hold the lead heading into the main break.
Nic Stevens in action during the VFLW clash against Williamstown (Photo: Carlton Media)
Q3:
The Blues were once again able to control the tempo in the third quarter. In the absence of Breann Mood in the ruck, Jamie Nelson stepped up to the plate and did well to help the Blues get first use of the ball out of the centre. Up forward, Sidney Cubasch moved well to provide a strong lead for her teammates. Her efforts did not go unrewarded, as she was able to slot a much-needed goal for the Blues and give them the advantage heading into the final change. Tensions threatened to boil over midway through the term, after a hard hit from Sarah Hosking saw the opposition remonstrate.
Q4:
It was the four-quarter performance the Blues have been building towards all year, as they put on the after burners to blaze away from the Seagulls. Jess Hosking kicked her third goal of the game, while two last-quarter goals to Chloe Dalton, and Nic Stevens' first of the afternoon was enough for Carlton to register its second win of the season.
Only way to celebrate the win! #VFLWBlues #BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/jvouwch0uE
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) July 21, 2019
Shan’s player of the day - Sarah Wright:
“Sarah played up on the wing this week and she was able to link up for us coming out of the backline," McFerran said.
“She’s presented really well and was able to make an impact when she moved down forward.”