CARLTON'S first trip to the Northern Territory has ended in a two-point loss against the NT Thunder in a thrilling contest.
Despite the Blues leading at every change, four unanswered goals from the Thunder in the final term saw the hosts snatch victory.
VFLW coach Shannon McFerran made some brave changes coming into the game that almost paid off, putting co-captain Natalie Plane in defence, Simone Craige in the midfield and playing three rucks in Breann Moody, Sidney Cubasch and Jorja Borg.
Quarter-by-quarter breakdown
Q1:
Carlton well and truly took control right from the beginning of the game with great pressure and intensity around the ball. Returning from suspension, Jess Hosking made her presence felt on the game immediately with a handy goal as well as fantastic pressure. Nicola Stevens positioned herself well at half-forward, which allowed ruck Sidney Cubasch to kick her first goal in Navy Blue. Courteney Bromage picked up where she left off in Round 8 with fierce tackling while Gab Pound was an anchor for the Blues in defence, taking numerous marks.
Q2:
Sina Mason and Bry Gurr stepped up in the midfield with great dash and smarts with ball in hand. They were given first use by Breann Moody, who dominated in the ruck once again. Mia-Rae Clifford presented well in the forward line and kicked a great goal while Sarah Wright kicked Carlton’s second major of the term – the latter was extremely impressive with her strong hands and agility inside 50.
Q3:
The Blues capitalised on their opportunities to run and carry, resulting in them nearly doubling the score of their opponent at the three-quarter-time break. Stevens continued to dominate inside 50 and got a major to reward her good form. Bromage was a ball magnet at half-forward, creating plenty of scoring opportunities for the Blues. Youngster Sina Mason showed her undeniable potential in the midfield, putting her body on the line and then getting on the end of a great goal inside 50. Gemma Wright similarly stood up in defence, taking a number of intercept marks to halt the Thunder’s momentum.
Q4:
The conditions began to take their toll on the Blues, as the Thunder kicked four unanswered goals to secure the win. Stevens continued to impress with precise kicking up forward while Moody’s long, penetrating kicks set up plenty of opportunities for her teammates to run and carry into space. However, Carlton was left wanting for the second straight week in a narrow loss.
Shan’s Player of the Day: Nicola Stevens
"She had four consistent quarters and just continued to present and create up forward," McFerran said of Stevens' starring role in attack.
Match summary:
CARLTON 2.4 4.4 6.7 6.9 (45)
NT THUNDER 0.1 2.3 3.4 7.5 (47)
GOALTS
Carlton: J Hosking, Cubasch, Clifford, S Wright, Stevens, Mason
BESTS
Carlton: Stevens, Plane, G Wright, S Hosking, J Hosking
