A chance at a historic finals berth is on the line when Carlton takes on the Western Bulldogs today in the final round of the AFLW season.
The Blues will take an unchanged team into the game, putting the faith in the team that took home the 16-point win over the Brisbane Lions last week.
Details: Whitten Oval, Sunday, March 16, 4:05pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: Click here for broadcast guide and here for all game day info.
THE GAME IN FOCUS:
Carlton will once again have the momentum heading into the game, coming off one of their best performances of the season against the Lions.
It's been an up-and-down season for the Dogs, who have been unable to recapture the form of their premiership-winning season. However, in front of a home crowd at Whitten Oval, the Dogs are destined to put up plenty of fight against the Blues on Sunday afternoon.
For Carlton, the equation is simple.
A win will guarantee them the top spot in Conference B and a home final, while a loss leaves things up in the air.
“I ALWAYS thought navy was my colour.”
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) March 15, 2019
We're not going to argue with that. #BoundByBlue
THE DIFFERENCE:
It's hard to go a week without mentioning Maddy Prespakis, but the impact that she has had on the team in her debut year is completely undeniable.
Last week was no different, as she collected a career high 27-disposals, using the ball cleanly and helping give her team the best opportunity to create scoring chances.
BLUE FOCUS:
It's going to be the battle of the tall forwards with Tayla Harris and the Bulldogs' Katie Brennan taking to the field today.
Harris was exceptional against the Lions last week, kicking two goals in the victory. More impressive, however, was Harris' ability to heap the pressure on opposition defenders, laying massive tackles and ensuring the ball stayed in the Blues' forward line.
At the other end of the field for the Dogs, Brennan has all the potential to win the game off her own boot. The star forward's performance against Fremantle two weeks ago was one of the best displays from a forward this season. Brennan's ability to win the ball and kick goals will cause headaches for the Blues' defenders.
BLUE VIEW:
Destiny lies in the hands of the Blues.
If the Blues are able to shut-down the fast paced movement of the Dogs, they put themselves in a good position to lock in their finals spot.
Expect a lot of fight from the Bulldogs who will play with plenty of pride in front of their home crowd in the second AFLW Pride game.