TWO weeks after its last practice match against the Western Bulldogs, Carlton came back stronger than ever. 

Carlton dominated through controlled short kicks and strong defensive plays, with AFLW-listed Blues starring through the clash. 

Quarter-by-quarter breakdown: 

Q1:

The Bulldogs started strong but the Blues’ defence stifled them again and again to keep them scoreless in the first quarter. Strong marks in the midfield from Amber Micallef lead the ‘Baggers back inside their 50, which resulted in the first goal from Jones. Carlton’s controlled short kicks dominated the quarter and a key clutch tackle from Taylah Kolesvki earned her the free kick. 

Q2:

The intensity dialled up in the second quarter, with the Bulldogs’ coming out strong from the bounce. The ball spent the first half of the quarter locked inside the Bulldogs’ forward 50, but a crucial mark from Marnie Jarvis turned the tide. A strong series of plays rewarded the ‘Baggers with a goal from Millie Klingbeil. Despite a courageous smother and second effort from Teresa Zampaglione, the Bulldogs were able to kick their first goal in the closing minutes.

Q3: 

The Western Bulldogs opened the half with a massive goal, but Carlton only got more confident as they settled into the term. After minutes of back-and-forth possession, momentum was finally found after two more goals from Jones. Carlton was able to capitalise on its confidence with plenty of clean marks against Bulldogs, leading to Akalya Peterson’s goal just before the siren.

Q4:

Running against the wind the Bulldogs fought back, but a clutch mark from defender Jasmine Ware in front of goal turned the possession back to Blues. From there Klingbeil was able to make her second for the day. The momentum began to slow, returning to a back-and-forth affair between the teams in the midfield. In the closing minutes Carlton was awarded a 50-metre penalty, granting Eliza Wood a goal that sealed the deal in the Blues’ favour.

Luke’s best on field:

“Today was an even performance across the field, I think I could find positives from every player who was out there today,” O’Shannessy said.

“From the VFLW program, Millie Klingbeil who played predominately midfield was one of our most even contributors across four quarters with Amber Micallef also contributing through the midfield.

“Down back in only her second game for the club was Jasmine Ware, particularly in her second half she had a really big job on some of their more dangerous leading forwards.”

Match summary

Carlton            1.2    2.2    5.5    7.5 (47)
Western Bulldogs    0.0    1.1    2.1     4.6 (30)

GOALS
Jones 3, Klingbeil 2, Peterson, Wood

BEST
Jones, Laing, Klingbeil, Micallef, Ware, Kolesvki