CARLTON redeemed its 2019 Grand Final loss to Adelaide with an outstanding performance on the road at Hisense Stadium.

Recording its first win over the Crows in the competition, it was a case of the comeback Blues in the eventual eight-point win.

The breakdown

Q1:

The Blues were met with a packed house at Hisense Stadium on Sunday afternoon with the home crowd right behind last year’s premiers. It was fierce contest from the outset: the tackle count reflected what the premiership rematch meant to both sides. Carlton had its opportunities early, but a wayward kick from Tayla Harris meant that Adelaide was the first to get on the board with a goal from returning Crow Rhiannon Metcalfe. Charlotte Wilson showed plenty in her return to the side, finishing the quarter with eight disposals after some tireless work in the backline.

Q2:

The Crows were quick to extend their lead early in the second term, with two quick goals to Eloise Jones and Ailish Considine delighting the home crowd. It saw the Blues trail by 18 points, and it wasn’t until the 10-minute mark of the second that the Blues would stake their claim. A goal from Nicola Stevens put the visitors back in contention, while the Blues got going at the coalface: there was only one clearance separating the two sides come the end of the quarter. A steadying goal from Maddy Prespakis put Carlton within five points of Adelaide and in striking distance heading into the main break. 

Q3:

The Blues came out firing in the second half, determined to continue the momentum they had gained late in the second quarter. After an early Crows goal, the Blues found their feet quickly again and from there it was the Tayla Harris show. While the Crows struggled to convert, two quick goals from Harris saw Carlton hit the front for the first time at Hisense Stadium. Consistent as always, Prespakis continued her run of form through the second quarter. The second-year Blue was everywhere around the ground, sitting on 19 disposals heading into the final term.

Q4:

There was plenty of fight early in the last quarter, with both sides bringing finals-like pressure. While the Crows continued to match the Blues for clearances as the game went on, they couldn’t fight an onslaught of inside 50s from the the Blues' dynamic forward line. When Carlton needed someone to stand up, it was Darcy Vescio at both ends of the ground. She gave her side breathing room and confidence, before taking a match-saving mark as the AFLW Blues held on for their greatest comeback win and their first against the Crows.

Moment of the match:

In what was a back and forth affair at Hisense Stadium, there was a clear turning point. After going goalless in the opening term, two steadying majors by Stevens and Prespakis gave Carlton a sniff. Then, Tayla Harris happened.

The key forward was everywhere, kicking truly in the third before backing it up moments later to give Carlton the lead for the first time. From there, the Game Changers were never headed on the way to a famous win on the road.

Three things from the game:

1. Nicola Stevens has well and truly found her feet in a new role up forward. Having spent the majority of her career to date down back, it may have taken Stevens a few weeks to settle into her role in attack, but she’s showing what shone through in pre-season. Stevens finished the day with nine disposals and a goal for her efforts.
2. The Blues’ youngsters are the key to Carlton’s success. Bluebaggers have come to expect standout performances from Maddy Prespakis, but each week there are players like Charlotte Wilson continue to show improvement. Wilson was stoic in the backline, finishing the day on 19 disposals and nine marks in a standout showing.
3. Whether it's up forward or down back, Darcy Vescio can do it all. The livewire was at her brilliant best alongside forward partner Tayla Harris in arguably her best performance since that famous opening night in 2017. Amidst her 17 disposals was the match-winning goal and the match-saving mark: it was clearly a good day at the office.

ADELAIDE       1.2      3.2      4.3        4.4 (28)
CARLTON        0.2      2.3      4.5        5.6 (36)

GOALS: Harris 2, McEvoy, Prespakis, Stevens, Vescio

BESTS: Harris, Vescio, Harrington, Prespakis, Wilson, Egan, Plane