Carlton won their third game of the season in thrilling fashion, outlasting a brave Sydney team to win by five points at Ikon Park on Friday.
Despite Swan Rebecca Privitelli’s career-high four goals, the team won.
Carlton led by two goals at halftime, but Sydney’s Bella Smith and Privitelli scored back-to-back goals to tie the game.
A flurry of minor goals gave the Blues a three-point lead heading into the final quarter, perhaps included some tries that could have been completed.
Each club scored one fourth-quarter goal, but Carlton came out on top.
The Blues needed an independent review of their program in the off-season and the Swans failed to win a game in their first season last year, but both fought gallantly.
Sydney switched up their game style, which worked in patches and caused them problems in others. They tried to open the game up and capitalise on uncontested marking. The Swans were plus 46 in uncontested possessions.
When this worked, they moved the ball with composure and were aided by their accuracy inside their attacking arc. When it didn’t, Carlton’s pressure allowed them to regain possession.
The Swans’ defence stood tall and often won the one-on-one contests, however the Blues’ high press resulted in the ball getting trapped in Carlton’s attacking half after it entered it. The Blues won inside 50s 38-27.
Carlton’s new coach Mathew Buck would be pleased with the cohesion from his side, a vast improvement on recent seasons, and the impact of the younger players, including 19 year olds Mia Austin, who had two goals in the opening half, and Keeley Sherar.
The game featured an interesting match-up between two All-Australian ruck contenders. Sydney’s Ally Morphett finished with 27 hitouts, six clearances and 25 touches, and Carlton’s Breann Moody, who had five contested marks, 16 disposals and 11 hitouts.
Laura Gardiner was also influential for Sydney, with a game-high 33 disposals, a goal, nine tackles and seven clearances. Carlton’s Abby McKay (25 touches) continues to improve her craft, along with Mimi Hill (19 disposals, one goal).
Dockers survive Richmond surge
Fremantle are challenging for a spot in the eight as the season hits its midway mark after surviving a Richmond fightback to claim a seven-point win at Ikon Park on Friday.
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