CARLTON'S VFLW side went down by 49 points to the Darebin Falcons on Saturday afternoon.
At their first game at Ikon Park, the Blues couldn’t contain the red-hot Darebin, ultimately succumbing 3.5 (23) to 11.6 (72).
Darebin proved too clinical in the moments that mattered, recording its third straight win and handing the Blues their third straight defeat.
Despite Carlton having the territory in the early going, a goal on the counter led to Darebin kicking the first three of the game.
The Blues hit the scoreboard in a meaningful way through Caroline Hardeman via a set shot, which initiated a spell of sustained pressure as the first quarter came to a close.
However, Carlton wasn’t able to do the damage on the scoreboard, trailing by 11 points at the first change.
It was after the first break where the Falcons took control of the contest. The away side kicked five straight goals to take the game away from Carlton.
With the margin out to 43 points, the Blues had their best spell of the game.
Consecutive goals through the AFLW-listed Kate Shierlaw and Sophie Li at the Legends Stand end made it a five-goal game.
The siren blared around Ikon Park as the Blues pressed for another major, providing the reset which the Falcons needed.
Darebin kicked the only three goals of the final quarter to prevail by 49 points.
Sarah Hosking typically willed herself to every contest alongside twin sister Jess Hosking, while Shierlaw provided a target forward-of-centre.
Carlton has a bye next week: its next game will be against the high-flying NT Thunder on Saturday, June 16 at RAMS Arena (Craigieburn).
CARLTON VFLW 1.1 1.1 3.4 3.5 (23)
DAREBIN FALCONS 3.0 6.2 8.4 11.6 (72)
GOALS
Carlton: Hardeman, Li, Shierlaw
