CARLTON has secured its first VFLW win of the season, defeating the top-of-the-table Western Bulldogs by 16 points at Ikon Park.

The Blues applied great pressure all day with aggressive tackling and endeavour to win the footy.

Their defence was particularly impressive, keeping the Bulldogs goalless for three quarters. 

Quarter-by-quarter breakdown:

Q1:

The Blues managed to keep the Bulldogs goalless in the first term while also kicking one of their own through Sarah Hosking. Breann Moody started well in the ruck and presented hard at the footy. Madison Prespakis was lively as usual with her precision on the ball, which included a lovely centering ball that led to Carlton’s first major. Emerson Woods was athletic at half-back with clean ball movement and hard running, while Jess Hosking also showed great composure in defence.

Q2:

Carlton’s defence continued to stand up in the second term, shutting the ladder-leaders out once again. Co-captain Natalie Plane rotated well through the midfield and forward line, while Sarah Wright positioned herself well in contests inside 50. Courteney Bromage seemed to be everywhere in the second quarter, providing her trademark pressure around the contest, and laying a goal-saving tackle in the dying minutes of the term.

Prespakis on the run (Photo: Elkie Brooks) 

Q3:

The Blues once were able to hold the Bulldogs scoreless in the third quarter. Woods continued to display exceptional work rate with great run and carry. Co-captain Megan Neill stepped up at full-back, working up the ground to create opportunities inside 50 with strong marking and the ability to rebound from defence. Moody also allowed the Blues to gain territory at crucial stages while fellow ruck Sidney Cubasch stepped up with some great contested marks and a shot on goal.

Q4:

Carlton continued to apply the pressure on the Bulldogs in the fourth term and stepped up in attack. Bromage converted a crucial goal to open up the term, continuing her great efforts throughout the day inside 50. Moody stood up once again with two great contested grabs, including one on the goal line to save a Bulldogs major. Jess Hosking continued to tackle with ferocity while Neill remained composed deep in defence. Prespakis created many opportunities inside 50, including providing a goal assist for Plane to kick the sealer from a set shot.

Shan’s Player of the Day: Emerson Woods

“Emerson’s work down back was fantastic. She was able to create run and carry for us off the back line," McFerrain said. 

“She worked really hard to get into good positions and link up with the midfielders so I’m really, really happy with her game.”

Match summary:

CARLTON              1.1      1.3       1.5       3.8 (26)
WESTERN BULLDOGS     0.3      0.4       0.4       1.4 (10)

Goals:
S Hosking, Bromage, Plane

Best:
Woods, Bromage, Neill, J Hosking, S Hosking, Stevens