CARLTON has returned to winning from with an impressive 29-point win away from home against GWS. 

The Blues recorded its third win from as many outings against the Giants as they led from the outset, on the way to the 10.5 (65) to 5.6 (36) victory.

With a combination of efficiency up forward and grit down back, it was clearly Carlton’s most complete performance of the season.

Quarter by quarter:  

Q1:

Gab Pound and Tayla Harris got the ball rolling for the Blues, getting full reward from free kicks to open up an early lead. A late answering goal for the Giants saw the margin reduced to seven points, as Kerryn Harrington brought some trademark dash and physicality to lead the way with six disposals. 

Q2:

Some scintillating forward play was at the heart of it for the Blues, with Harris, Maddy Prespakis and Darcy Vescio combining with devastating effect. The trio combined for four goals to open up a 20-point lead at the main break. 

Q3:

The Giants pressed, but the Blues drew level with two goals apiece to enter the final break with an 18-point lead. As the challenge came, Brianna Davey stood up. The captain registered six disposals in the quarter alone to put her side in the box seat for victory.

Q4:

An outstanding contested mark from Harris in the second minute allayed any fears for the Blues on their way to a maiden win for the campaign. The brilliant Georgia Gee rounded things off with the final goal as Carlton recorded its highest ever score in the AFLW competition. 

Madison Prespakis was brilliant once again with 21 disposals and three goals. (Photo: AFL Media)

Three things we learned:

1. Maddy Prespakis isn’t a star for the future: she’s a star in the present. She had the most disposals of anyone on the ground, the most goals and she’s showing no signs of slowing down.

2. Brianna Davey is returning to her best. When her side needed her most, the captain produced some great leadership to keep the Blues in the ascendancy. She was well-supported by Sarah Hosking and Katie Loynes.

3. When it works, it really works. Carlton’s forward mix got the job done against the Giants, as they recorded 10 goals in a game for the first ever time. The combination of Harris and Vescio’s marking prowess to the pressure from Gee and Prespakis worked wonders. 

Moment of the match:

As the Blues stamped their authority on the game, the Harris and Prespakis connection came up with the goods. The duo combined for six goals on the day, but it was Harris’ assist to the class of the youngster which gave Carlton a big boost in the second term. 

Player of the match:

On her return from a shoulder injury which saw her out of action last weekend, it’s hard to look beyond the influence of Tayla Harris. The All-Australian kicked three goals, gave a few off and took six marks to impose herself on the contest from the outset. 

Match summary:

GWS                          1.1     3.2     5.4      5.6 (36)                  
CARLTON                   2.2     6.4     8.4     10.5 (65)           

GOALS

GWS: Bernardi 2, Bonner, Barclay, Staunton
Carlton: Harris 3, Prespakis 3, Downie, Gee, Pound, Vescio

BEST 
GWS:
Carlton: Harris, Prespakis, Gee, Harrington, Davey, S.Hosking, Edwards

INJURIES 

GWS: TBC
Carlton: TBC