Carlton AFLW Mid Season Review
Written by Helena Petrou
With the beginning of round 5 marking the half-way point of the 2021 AFLW season, we will be taking a look back at how the Carlton Football Club have performed, as we head into the second half of the season where the Blues will be looking to put their best foot forward in an effort to reach their third consecutive finals campaign.
Having played 4 games, with 2 wins and 2 losses the Baggers sit at eighth on the ladder at 112%. Their percentage marginally lower than every team above them on the ladder. Two spots behind the final’s cut off, the Blues have left themselves with extremely little room for error heading into the last stretch of the season. Beginning the season 0-2 came as a shocking disappointment to many fans who were expecting a hot start from the team many experts had tipped to be premiership favourites. Both losses coming by 6 points to rivals Collingwood and an exciting young Western Bulldogs team, it was a case of missed opportunities, an all too familiar and unwanted feeling for the fans of the Carlton Football Club.
The Blues took home their first win of the season in round 3 at Moorabbin Oval against a young St Kilda outfit by a comfortable 21 points. Exciting passages of play reminiscent of Carltons 2020 finals run were on display after a slow start to the game. Strong performances through the midfield from reigning League Best and Fairest Maddy Prespakis, as well as Grace Egan and new Blue Elise O’Dea played a pivotal role in helping the Blues grab their first win.
Keeping their season alive with a win over an improved Richmond side at Ikon park in round 4, the Baggers’ donned orange socks as part of the annual ‘Carlton Respects’ round, promoting the prevention of violence against women. Back in front of crowds, a slow goalless first quarter meant the Blues needed a strong performance in the second, which they provided. Kicking 4 goals to the Tigers’ 1 to be ahead by a point at the half time break. A clinical performance by inaugural Blue Darcy Vescio set up the win for Carlton, scoring 3 goals in the 3rd. Among Carlton’s best were Co-Captain Kerryn Harrington and exciting midfielder Grace Egan, as well as Prespakis, who bagged 2 goals of her own. The nail bitter ended in a 5-point win for the Baggers’ after the Tiges made a late surge.
What’s going right:
After a shaky start to the season Carlton’s backline has returned to some serious form. Young full back Charlotte Wilson has influenced the game at crucial moments taking impressive intercept marks, complementing Mua Laloifi’s incredible one on one ability. Gap Pound’s creativity exiting the defensive 50 and Maddy Guerin’s long clearing run and kick provide great offensive opportunities for the midfield to pounce on. The synergy the backline play with has been a key component in their ability to recuperate after conceding back-to-back goals, to reset and play with a fiery intent to beat their opponent under the leadership of Kerryn Harrington. Pleasing signs in the development of Abbie McKay and Grace Egan have been on display as the two youngsters begin to make their mark on the midfield alongside Maddy Prespakis, who has continued playing with impressive physicality, hunger and class. Elise O’Dea has slotted straight into the midfield, complemented by the consistent work of ruck Brea Moody. Nicola Stevens and Georgia Gee have been providing creativity and explosiveness in the forward 50, Gee often an important link in Carlton’s handball chains taking them from end to end.
What needs to be improved on:
Currently first in the league for handballs and second last for kicks, Carlton has played a handball heavy style of football, which can put them into dangerous positions under pressure in the midfield. Often resulting in turnovers, such as in the game vs the Bulldogs where the Blues had a high 62, the style of play can result in a heavily contested and stop-start game. In round 4 Carlton used the ball well by foot going from end to end, showing their capability to do so resulting in a freer flowing game. Although it looks classy when the handball chains pay off, incorporating more disposals by foot may be of interest and benefit to the Baggers against quick high-pressure teams such as North Melbourne and Fremantle to prevent turnovers and missed opportunities as Carlton look to win as many of their remaining games as possible. Forward line cohesion and efficiency inside 50 must be looked at heading into the second half of the season, with the Blues averaging only 37% efficiency when converting forward entries into goals. A big second half of the season will be required of star forward Tayla Harris after not having as big of an influence that the Carlton fans know she is capable of. Improving and keeping consistency, while taking opportunities all around the ground will be the key to success for the Baggers, as we wait and see what the second half of the season holds in store for the girls in Navy Blue.
