CARLTON went down by seven points in a tight and tough contest against Geelong at Ikon Park.

In slippery conditions, Carlton worked hard in the contest, but last season’s runner-up managed to show good poise when it mattered.

Quarter-by-quarter breakdown:

Q1:

The Blues started the game off with great intensity, tackling hard and playing with good intent. Emerson Woods picked up where she left off last week in her best-on-ground performance, with her clean hands and athleticism a key feature across half-back. Gemma Wright also showed composure in the back line and was aided by the more-than-handy inclusion of Gab Pound. Simone Craige kicked her first VFLW goal for the Blues, keeping them in the hunt.

Q2:

Carlton’s backline continued to impress, while the midfielders stepped up with great run and carry from the likes of Abbie McKay and Chloe Dalton. Madison Prespakis displayed great leadership on and off the field while Nicola Stevens worked hard across the ground. Courteney Bromage impressed with strong tackling, but it was the Cats who took a two-goal lead into the main break.

Q3:

The Blues were able to use the slippery conditions to advantage, winning the quarter and putting themselves in with a chance of victory. Breann Moody displayed great work rate and kicked a much-deserved goal to go with her efforts. Stevens - who played exclusively up forward - was the other goalkicker in the term, making no mistake after taking a great contested grab. Woods continued to show great intent while Megan Neill stepped up with some great tackles.

Q4:

The Blues continued to work hard in the last term with Stevens kicking a goal to level the scores midway through the quarter. Pound showed good composure around the ground while Prespakis stepped up with some class around the contest in wet conditions. The influential Moody moved well through the forward line and ruck and positioned well against her opponent, but the final goal of the game to Geelong confined the Blues to a seven-point defeat.  

Player of the Day: Courteney Bromage

“Brom’s attack on the footy was awesome. She presented well in the front half,” Carlton VFLW assistant coach Kerry Saunders said.

“Her intensity all day is what we’re after and if it infiltrates the team, then that’s what we like.”

Match summary:

CARLTON         1.0        1.0        3.2        4.2 (26)
GEELONG         2.0        3.1        4.2        5.3 (33)

GOALS
Carlton: Stevens 2, Craige, Moody