CARLTON'S Game Changers will return to Ikon Park on Saturday night, as they take on last year’s runners-up, the Brisbane Lions.
Last week’s 21-point win over Greater Western Sydney in trying conditions should give the Blues plenty of confidence heading into Round 3, but the win did come at a massive cost.
This will be Carlton’s first game without skipper Brianna Davey, after the star defender suffered a season-ending knee injury against GWS. The Blues will be looking for a number of players to fill the void in both skill and leadership.
Vice-captain Sarah Hosking was fantastic last week, laying an AFLW-record 16 tackles and running hard from start to finish. She should relish the challenge of leading the team this week.
Sarah Hosking has been in good form for the Game Changers. (Photo: AFL Photos)
Senior players Nicola Stevens, Shae Audley and Darcy Vescio are also in great form, and they will need to set the tone early this weekend. The Blues will be keen to start fast and build some momentum for the rest of the season without their captain.
Tayla Harris was in doubt after copping a heavy knock to her shoulder against the Giants, but she has been named to face her former side and will be keen to have a big impact.
Brisbane, meanwhile, has had an indifferent start to season, winning one of its opening two games. After a two-goal win against reigning premier Adelaide, the Lions suffered a close loss to the in-form Western Bulldogs last week.
Powerful key forward Sabrina Frederick-Traub is the obvious threat, and is the barometer for the Lions as a whole. She was dominant against Adelaide with 10 marks, but was effectively shut down by the Bulldogs backline.
Kate Gillespie-Jones is back for her second game of the season. (Photo: AFL Photos)
Fellow forward Jess Wuetschner is the competition’s equal-leading goalkicker after two rounds, with four goals to her name. Carlton’s defenders will need to fight hard to keep them both quiet, especially without Davey marshalling the backline, and their influence could define the contest and the final score.
Last time the two sides met was in Round 7 last year, where they played out a thrilling draw at Ikon Park. The circumstances are very different this time around, with Carlton rising to the top of the ladder and Brisbane falling after an early loss.
Saturday night will be the first look at Carlton without Davey, and while it has the depth and determination to overcome the adversity, the Lions won’t want to go down without a fight. It looms as a season-defining match-up for two sides with premiership aspirations.
