Carlton V Geelong | AFLW Round 6 Review

Written by Helena Petrou

The Blues are back on the winners list after comfortably defeating the Geelong Cats 10.4 64 to 4.7 31 at Ikon Park. The win keeps Carlton’s finals hopes alive, with Saturday’s victory leaving them one win outside the top 6. An impressive team game saw the Blues take the lead and hold onto it after Geelong kicked the opening goal. 

The First Quarter

The first quarter saw Carlton break their recent trend of scoreless first terms, having only kicked 1 goal in all first quarters this season. A Geelong goal to Bec Webster was quickly responded to by the Baggers with Darcy Vescio kicking two goals in a minute to put her team in front. Vescio yet again kick-started Carlton’s attack this round, with her forward craft and pressure acts making her Carlton’s most damaging forward over the past few weeks. Vescio’s two goals came from nearly identical passages of play where she was able to pick the ball up from behind the contest to go on and quickly convert from inside the goal square.  

Carlton defender Nat Plane kicked an incredible snap from 40 meters out to give the Blues a 2-goal lead at quarter time.  A high pressure start to the game from both sides resulted in many stoppages, but Carlton’s midfield dominated clearances for the day 27 to 15.  Serena Gibbs kicked her first AFL goal to close out a fantastic first quarter from the Blues. Carlton’s 4.0 to 2.1 start made it the first time they had kicked multiple goals in a first quarter in season 2021. 

The Second Quarter

The second quarter started with Maddy Prespakis starting on the interchange bench after receiving medical attention on an injured left elbow for the entire quarter time break.  A physical start to the quarter saw Alison Downie and Cat Phoebe McWilliams stop play after a tackle resulted in a nasty head on clash. Downie was taken off the field with a bloody nose but she returned to play later in the game. Prespakis returned to the field early in the second and was seemingly at every contest around the ground. An intercept mark from Prespakis inside 50 allowed Georgia Gee to set up Nicola Stevens for her shot on goal, which she converted to put Carlton 17 points ahead of the Cats. 

The second term saw some great defensive efforts from the Carlton backline. Young full back Charlotte Wilson made a great goal saving one on one tackle in the goal square.  Co-captain Kerryn Harrington made a crucial tackle resulting in a holding the ball decision after she had turned over a kick in.  The Blue’s defenders provided lots of run and carry allowing for an efficient quarter when going forward that saw Carlton enter the half time break with a handy 17-point lead. 

The Third Quarter

A scrapy start to the 3rd term saw Geelong snag a goal off a direct turnover from Gab Pound, which she soon made up for with a running goal from 35 meters out. A high-pressure attacking quarter from the Blues saw Prespakis hit the score board, receiving some reward for her hard work around the ground. Kerryn Harrington continued to be an important presence in Carlton’s backline gaining over 350 meters for the match. The Baggers played with physicality, with returning Co-Captain Katie Loynes providing the tackle pressure, finishing with 7 for the game. 

The Fourth Quarter

The fourth quarter began with a nasty injury to young Carlton midfielder Mimi Hill. Hill was attempting to tackle Cat Sophie Van De Heuvel, when she fell to the ground clutching her left knee. Scans have confirmed Carlton’s worst fears with the number 12 pick of the 2020 draft to miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. Small forward Georgia Gee went on to make the last quarter her own, with a coast-to-coast play resulting in a goal for Gee that delighted the home crowd. Gee kicked her second with 15 seconds of the match remaining, a great reward for her tireless efforts on the day.

Positives from the game included Carlton’s pressure throughout the four quarters and their efficiency when attacking. Coach Daniel Harford praised Carlton for being ‘direct’ out of the centre to ‘give our forwards a chance’.  In following rounds Carlton should look to be sharper and cleaner when disposing the footy, as some unforced turnovers were not punished by the Cats. 

Carlton’s best included Grace Egan who was clean in the midfield with 24 possessions and 4 tackles, Elise O’Dea who played a defensive role with 17 possessions. Kerryn Harrington played her best game this season collecting 22 touches off half back and gaining 350 meters. Ruck Breann Moody continues to back up her great performances, with 10 disposals and 23 hit outs. Vescio and Prespakis were also amongst Carlton’s best, continuing their recent runs of great form.

Geelong’s highest performing players included Captain Meg McDonald who had 16 touches off half back and was their key intercept player. Youngster Amy McDonald was the Cats’ most important midfielder, collecting 22 touches and an incredible 11 tackles. Sophie Van De Heuvel and Rebecca Webster were also amongst the Cat’s best. 

The Blues now turn their attention to their upcoming clash against the Fremantle Dockers who they will face at Ikon Park on Sunday the 14th of March. 

Carlton Injuries: Hill (ACL), Prespakis (elbow, returned to play)