IN a see-sawing contest at Casey Fields on Saturday morning, Carlton’s VFLW team narrowly fell short to Casey by just 10 points – 5.7.37 to 3.9.27.
The wind played a huge part in the game, as neither side was able to score a major against the breeze throughout the entire match.
The Demons burst out of the blocks in the first quarter, kicking three goals in four minutes, with Casey full-forward Eden Zanker dominating up forward. However, the Blues kicked into gear after the slow start, denying the Demons from scoring another goal in the quarter.
AFLW-listed stars Darcy Vescio and Sarah Hosking led the fightback for Carlton. Vescio showcased her high-flying ability with some important grabs, while Hosking laid a number of bone-crunching tackles to keep her side in the contest.
With the wind in their favour in the second term, the Blues hit back quickly. Lively small forward Georgia Gee bobbed up for an opportunistic soccer goal inside the two-minute mark. Shortly after, Vescio followed Gee’s lead with another brilliant goal off the ground.
Akec Maker Chuot showed dash from the back half and exquisite foot skills to hit up Hosking. Later in the term, Chuot’s hard work was rewarded when she marked strongly and converted after the siren. The goal gave the Blues their third for the quarter, cutting the margin to just two points at the main break.
The third term saw the game even out into a tight contested battle, with neither team able to wrestle the momentum their way. However, the wind was difficult to battle against for the Blues, with the Demons slotting two goals in the quarter to take their lead to 16 points at the final change.
Carlton had all the play in the last quarter, locking the ball in its forward 50 and hammering away at the goals. Unfortunately, the Blues were unable to find the middle, kicking six behinds in the final term.
Though coach Shannon McFerran was disappointed with the slow start, she said her team fought hard, particularly against the breeze.
“The slow start let us down with those three quick goals in the first quarter,” McFerran said.
“I thought we held them well with the breeze in the third quarter. In that last quarter there, we just couldn’t capitalise, and we kicked six points. The breeze definitely played a factor in today’s game.”
McFerran was impressed with a number of VFLW-listed players, saying they have shown great development throughout the season.
“There’s some really good signs and maturity coming into the game,” she said.
“Rene Caris in the ruck and Madeline Brancatisano really shone today and keep building with every game. Chloe Dalton laid some brilliant tackles.
“It’s just about finding a good balance and consistency. That’s what this year’s all about, helping people develop their football.”
The Blues have the bye next week, followed by Darebin on Sunday, August 19 at Bill Lawry Oval, Northcote, beginning at 12pm.
CASEY VFLW 3.4 3.5 5.7 5.7 (37)
CARLTON VFLW 0.0 3.3 3.3 3.9 (27)
GOALS: Vescio, Gee, Chuot
