CARLTON'S VFLW side claimed victory against Collingwood at Ikon Park in the first practice match of the year.

The match played before the AFLW match was a great opportunity for seven of Carlton’s AFLW listed players to play against Collingwood’s VFLW side.

The double-header was the very first time that both AFLW and VFLW groups came together, an exciting opportunity for the clubs to integrate both programs.

While the game itself started scrappy, the Blues were able to compose themselves and work into the game well, securing a three-goal win against the Magpies.

Women’s General Manager Ash Brown was pleased the game allowed both AFLW players to put their pre-season preparations into a game and VFLW players to showcase their skills.

The Game Changer’s Courtney Jones played a forward role, regularly setting up play and scored multiple goals for the Blues.

“She used the ball well and competed well. She was always a constant threat inside the forward 50,” said Brown.

Defender Brooke Vernon had a solid performance winning all one-on-one contests, while forward Sharnie Whiting proved to be reliable with the football in her hands.

“[Vernon] set the ground up well for us and really led that back six quite well,” he said.

“[Whiting] had moments where she really opened up play with her elite skills and kicking.”

With a relatively new VFLW squad, Brown is delighted with the amount achieved during the pre-season.

“I think we have a fair bit of talent now on our VFL squad with players that have just missed the draft within the last two years. They will be able to help our AFLW girls when they come back into the VFL program and hopefully form a really competitive team,” he said.

“Paul Griffiths has been working really hard with the assistant coaches to build a game style and a game plan that supports what we do at AFL level but hopefully continues to develop players when they are in the VFL season.”