THE valiant VFLW Blues produced a stirring performance against the top-of-the-table Port Melbourne on Sunday afternoon, despite a late surge from the Borough seeing the Blues fall by six points.

Playing the undefeated Borough for the second time this season, it was clear the Blues have seen major improvements in their structures and game plan since the 44-point defeat to their opponent back in Round 2.

Speaking to Carlton Media post-match, midfielder Bry Gurr described the physical battle as a double-edged sword. 

“It’s a tough one: we’re proud to have pushed the top team,” Gurr said.

“But it’s hard because we had them for most of the game, and to just let it slip in the last quarter is a bit hard to swallow.”

Getting off to a fast start, Carlton dominated the opening quarter, scoring three majors to none. 

The Blues were then able to hold their lead for the majority of the game, until an onslaught of Port Melbourne goals bumped the Borough to a one-point lead late in the third quarter.

While the bulk of last quarter play occurred in Carlton’s forward 50, Port Melbourne fought hard to prevent the Blues from winning meaningful possession and taking their opportunities in front of goal.

Addressing the players post-match, Gurr recalled senior coach Luke O’Shannessy’s message was to use the disappointment of the tight loss as motivation.

“It should hurt, so let it hurt, but take it as fuel for next week,” she said.

“We can beat those top teams when we play our own game. We just need to not give in to the way that they want us to play, let ourselves dictate what we want to do and bring that into every game.”