IT WAS a physical contest at Moorabbin Oval with Carlton's midfield the driving force behind at 24-point win.

After a goalless first quarter, the Blues ramped up the contested footy and were able to take home their first win of the 2021 season. 

Quarter 1: 

The Blues came out strong from the bounce, with Maddy Prespakis taking charge in the midfield from the get go. Gab Pound’s impact upon return was felt instantly, controlling the ball across half-back. Grace Egan had plenty of it early while Mua Laloifi was a welcome addition in defensive 50. Neither side was able to make an impact on the scoreboard, with the ball travelling from end-to-end without conversion. While Carlton’s defence was effective in minimising St Kilda’s scoring, it struggled to get the ball past the centre square. Elise O’Dea was dominant in clearing the ball from the Blues defensive 50, but the team was unable to hit their forward targets and Carlton ended the quarter scoreless. 

Quarter 2: 

With the breeze going Carlton’s way, O’Dea was able to kick Carlton’s first goal in the first minute of the quarter. The Blues had repeat inside-50 entries, taking it straight out from the centre bounce. Carlton dominated the tackle count in the first half of the game, with Breann Moody and Katie Loynes leading the physical charge. Prespakis made her presence known in the forward half, slotting a goal and ramping up the forward pressure. Debutant Daisy Walker showed class with ball in hand, as well as laying two tackles in the first half. Abbie McKay and Egan were busy in the midfield, as the Blues kept the ball out of the Saints forward half. Carlton utilised the wind to their advantage, keeping the ball in their forward half 73% of the quarter. 

Quarter 3:

Alison Downie kicked off the quarter with a handy goal through the hands of Prespakis. Carlton dominated the centre clearances, with Moody owning the ruck taps and Georgia Gee providing some clean clearances through the corridor. Jess Hosking was active all over the ground while the backline duo of Laloifi and Pound were pivotal to the Blues swift defensive 50 exits. Carlton’s fast handball chains were clean and composed, with their effective spread giving them opportunities on each side of the ground. Nic Stevens treated herself to a classy snap at goal, while Kerryn Harrington’s backline effort was consistent and impactful as ever.

Quarter 4: 

Moody was influential in getting the ball inside 50, while Carlton started to halt St Kilda’s short kick game. Maddy Guerin’s long bomb kicks were very handy for the Blues, but the forward line struggled to convert as the Saints defence stacked the pressure on. Stevens was able to contribute another flashy goal while Carlton played the majority of the quarter in their forward 50. The Blues were able to keep the Saints to no forward 50 entries, rendering them goalless for the quarter. 

Moment of the match:

Daisy Walker had a debut to remember, with a win under her belt in her first game. Picking up seven disposals and two tackles, the first-gamer provided some classy ball work and showed what she can do at the highest level. 

Three things from the game:

1. Elise O'Dea has slotted seamlessly into the Carlton side. Playing at half back against the wind and full forward with the wind, she was utilised all over the ground and she was definitely up to the challenge. O'Dea gathered 21 disposals, snagged a goal and laid three tackles in her first win in Navy Blue. 

2. The youngsters can help shoulder Prespakis' load. Grace Egan and Abbie McKay were more than influential through the middle, laying tackles and providing clean ball movement towards the forward half.  Georgia Gee rotated through the midfield, making a positive impact with her effective clearances while Lucy McEvoy's return gave the mids that extra helping hand. 

3. The Blues handball work was clean and concise, giving them a fast playing style and the ability to move the ball quickly up the ground without turning it over. 

Match Summary

ST KILDA      1.1     1.2     2.4     2.4     (16)
CARLTON     0.0     3.1     5.1     6.4     (40)

GOALS

Carlton: Stevens 2, Brazzale, Downie, O'Dea, Prespakis 

BEST

Carlton: Prespakis, O'Dea, McKay, Hosking, Egan