A FAIRYTALE start.

Carlton came out firing after a disappointing end to their 2019 campaign, with a 34-point victory over Richmond leaving last year’s Grand Final loss a distant memory.

Strong from the outset, the Blues denied the newcomers a chance at a season-opener glory, proving once more that Ikon Park belongs to the Navy Blues. 

Q1 Breakdown:

The Blues burst out of the gates under Friday night lights, eclipsing the Tigers early in the Round 1 clash. It was all about newly minted co-captain Katie Loynes in the opening term, who asserted her dominance against the opposition. Carlton played the game in its half for most of the term, with a Loynes goal just before the siren coming as a clear reward for effort. Sarah Hosking was reliable, breaking out of the middle of the ground to create scoring opportunities against the newcomers.

Q2 Breakdown:

It was a scrappy second quarter, but one where the newest Blues began to show their senior football chops. No.2 pick Lucy McEvoy was everywhere in her first game in Navy Blue, finishing the quarter with seven disposals for her efforts through the centre. Not to be outdone, Grace Egan showed plenty of heart against a familiar opposition, finishing the term with six disposals and three tackles. Despite many an opportunity, Blues fans were left wanting for that second goal.

Q3 Breakdown:

It was back to free-flowing football after the main break, with Carlton showing its experience over the opposition. Hitting their stride early, the Blues piled on the pressure with two goals in quick succession from Darcy Vescio and Brooke Walker. Locking the ball in their forward line for much of the quarter, Carlton finished the term with 36 inside 50s to Richmond’s 7. Late goals from Tayla Harris and Madison Prespakis gave the Blues an insurmountable 37-point lead heading into the final term.

Q4 Breakdown:

It was goal-for-goal in the last quarter at Ikon Park, with Richmond getting on the board early as Carlton's defence was finally breached. It would prove to be short-lived glory for the the Tigers, with experienced ruck Alison Downie putting an end to their celebrations. After a see-sawing affair early in the term, it wasn’t long before Carlton regained control. Madison Prespakis was a menace through the centre, finishing the day on 21 disposals and a goal in her first game since being crowned the NAB AFLW Rising Star.

Moment of the match:

To kick the first goal of the season on the main stage is moment you can’t go past. After a scrappy opening to the game, it had to be co-captain Katie Loynes who stepped up to the plate. After denying the Tigers again and again with her pressure in the first term, Loynes finally got the reward with the first goal of AFLW 4.0 as she set her team on the way to the four points.

Three things from the game:

1. The new Blues have raced out of the gates. You wouldn’t know watching Friday night’s game that this was Lucy McEvoy’s first AFLW game, with the No.2 pick racking up 12 disposals in her first senior hitout. Not to be outdone, Grace Egan was sparky against her former teammates with 11 disposals.
2. Carlton's forward line is firing on all cylinders. Tayla Harris and Darcy Vescio were at their rollicking best inside 50, finishing with a goal apiece while showcasing their trademark class and finesse. 
3. Did someone say midfield depth? Carlton stamped their authority on the competition early, with its run and pressure through the centre certain to be a hallmark of their game as the season progresses. 

How it unfolded: 

RICHMOND     0.0    0.2     0.2     2.2     (14)
CARLTON         1.5    1.8     5.9    6.12     (48)

GOALS

Richmond: Frederick, Wakefield
Carlton: Loynes, Vescio, Walker, Harris, Prespakis, Downie

BEST

Carlton: Prespakis, McEvoy, Moody, Plane, Harris, Loynes, Gee

INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Carlton: Nil

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 15,337 at Ikon Park