CARLTON'S VFLW side opened its campaign with a 22-point win in its first-ever game.

The Blues triumphed 9. 5. (59) to 5. 7. (37) against the Southern Saints in the revamped competition’s season opener.

Carlton led for the entire game at SkyBus Stadium, largely thanks to decisive first and third quarters.

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Darcy Vescio set the game up for the Blues early, kicking three of the first four goals of the game from set shots.

It allowed Carlton to open up a 33-point lead at quarter-time, keeping the Southern Saints scoreless in the process.

The Blues made it six straight goals thanks to a Sophie Li snap early in the second, before the home side hit its straps to bring it back to an 11-point margin.

However, three unanswered goals to Carlton in the third term opened up what looked to be a decisive lead at the final change.

Despite being held scoreless in the final term, the Blues managed to hold out to record their first victory. 

Vescio was joined by her AFLW-listed compatriots of captain Sarah Hosking and Breann Moody in dictating the game in the Blues’ favour. 

The duo used their physicality in midfield to send the ball Carlton’s way at the coalface, with Moody putting together a commanding performance in the ruck.

Maddison Gay and Li (one goal) also battled hard throughout the day, while the VFLW-listed players such as Caroline Hardeman and Courteney Bromage made their mark in the forward line.

The Carlton VFLW side’s next game will be against Williamstown next Saturday at the Williamstown Football Ground.

CARLTON VFLW   5.3   6.4   9.5   9.5 (59)

SOUTHERN SAINTS   0.0   4.5   4.5   5.7 (37)

GOALS
Carlton: Vescio 3, Hardeman 2, Bromage, S. Hosking, Li, Plane