CARLTON has progressed to an AFLW preliminary final for the second straight season after a comprehensive win against the Brisbane Lions. 

On the back of an emphatic second half, the Game Changers emerged with a 6.8 (44) to 2.3 (15) win over the Lions, setting up a clash with North Melbourne next week.

Q1 breakdown:

It was a lively start at Ikon Park as rainy conditions ceased for the first bounce, with Brisbane mounting a relentless attack early: it opened the game with the first six inside 50s. The Lions took advantage of their strong start up forward, notching the first goal of the semi final. But the response came quickly from a fired up Blues attack, with Tayla Harris getting one on the board after being the beneficiary of a down-field free kick. From there, Carlton began to get back on top through the centre (leading the contested possession count), but continuous Brisbane forward 50 entries saw them poke their nose ahead at quarter time.

Q2 breakdown:

It didn’t take the Blues long to hit their stride in the second. With barely three minutes gone in the term, Darcy Vescio staked her claim with the Blues' second major. From then on Carlton was able to lock the ball in their forward 50, shutting down Brisbane’s defensive efforts at every turn. Unable to capitalise, wayward kicks plagued the Blues until the half time siren despite dominating territory. Kerryn Harrington continued her valiant work across half back, finishing the quarter on 13 disposals and quelling the Lions' best efforts.

Q3 Breakdown:

Carlton continued its ascendency after the main break, surging ahead of Brisbane in the inside 50 count as the quarter wore on. It wouldn’t be until the nine-minute mark that the Blues got true reward for effort. The six points came from Georgia Gee after a brilliant chase-down tackle, giving the Blues the confidence they needed towards the end of the term. The livewire wasn't finished there, registering back-to-back goals to open up a handy lead. The moment which would have delighted the coaching staff most was a defensive effort by Chloe Dalton, enabling Carlton to enter the final break with a 15-point lead.

Q4 Breakdown:

Proving herself as the hero of the semi final, Gee again bobbed up in the fourth term to earn a third goal for the day. As with many of their performances throughout the home and away season, the Blues went from strength to strength as the game wore on. Mua Laloifi continued to show her power in the backline, proving herself once again as a valuable 2020 pick-up for the Blues. Likewise, Chloe Dalton continued her impressive run of form, finishing the day on 16 disposals, while Lucy McEvoy finished things off perfectly with a clever snap. In the end, Carlton’s experience earned the Game Changers another famous victory at Ikon Park as the hosts progressed to a preliminary final.

Moment of the match: 

It was the moment it all turned around for the Blues at Ikon Park. After a busy first quarter fighting back against the relentless Lions, it took a handy ground-ball collect and a major on the run from Darcy Vescio to get the Blues back where they belonged for the first time. Carlton led for the rest of the afternoon in an accomplished display at home.

Three things from the game:

1. Georgia Gee: Carlton’s biggest 2020 improver. The third-year Blue has well and truly made a name for herself in season 2020. Gee proved to be a reliable contributor as a high half forward, finishing the day with 12 classy disposals as well as three goals in a truly game-changing performance.
2. If the home and away season was all about the synergy of the Blues’ forward line, finals is about the strength of their backline. Coming up against a persistent Brisbane forward line, Carlton was expertly led by co-captain Kerryn Harrington and Gab Pound down back, while Mua Laloifi once again stood up. 
3. Finals, we’ve never been more ready for you. Daniel Harford outlined the change in mindset from this year compared to last, and it was evident on Sunday afternoon. With last year's experience a constant reminder, Carlton showed elite composure against a travelling Brisbane. Fighting back from behind in the second quarter, the Blues are hitting form at the right time of the season.

Match summary:

CARLTON      1.0      2.2      4.6      6.8 (44)
BRISBANE     1.2      1.2      2.3      2.3 (15)

GOALS: Gee 3, Harris, McEvoy, Vescio

BESTS: Gee, Laloifi, Harrington, Pound, Dalton, Prespakis, Moody