No song was sung at Ikon Park to close Carlton and Port Adelaide’s Sunday clash as the game ended in the first draw of the season. And the first draw in AFLW club history for both sides.
Blues debutant Lily Goss earned a free kick on goal with three seconds to go for high contact from Kate Surman, but it fell short as the final siren sounded, denying either side the win.
The Power’s Hannah Ewings after the clash between Carlton and Port Adelaide ended in a draw on Sunday.Credit:AFL Photos
With the ball in Carlton’s attacking half in the dying minutes and only a point needed, the defensive work of the Power to hold off an experienced forward line must be credited, especially as it included two-time leading goalscorer Darcy Vescio, who was kept from scoring in this game.
Although not the result either side wanted, it does give Port Adelaide their first premiership points and the expansion club can fly home knowing it kept a far more experienced team – one in its seventh season – from a claiming a win.
Despite a draw being an odd feeling for everyone involved, with only 10 rounds in the AFLW home and away season, every point on the ladder counts and the two points either way could make things interesting come finals.
Carlton had established an early 12-point lead, with Elise O’Dea booting the first goal of the match in her 50th game, followed by skipper Kerryn Peterson.
Paige Trudgeon on the run for the Blues.Credit:AFL Photos
The second term then had a shift in momentum as Port Adelaide kicked four goals to none, two of those off the boot of Jade De Melo, who was instrumental across the four quarters.
After the main break, it became a tight arm wrestle, with the Blues scoring a goal a term, while the Power were held goalless in the second half.
Both of Carlton’s goals came from other 50–gamers, midfielder Jessica Dal Pos and ruck Breann Moody, who also finished with 21 hitouts and three marks.
Port Adelaide captain and star Erin Phillips told Fox Footy after the game she was proud of what the new side was building.
Erin Phillips comes in for plenty of attention.Credit:AFL Photos
“In the two previous games, our momentum was getting there and our game was getting there. It’s disappointing we couldn’t get over the line but it’s definitely progress,” she said.
The Power’s draftee Hannah Ewings was productive in the midfield, leading the disposal count for her side at 21, including 18 kicks and five clearances. The 18-year-old was supported in driving the ball forward by fellow youngster Abbey Dowrick, who finished the game with 14 disposals, three tackles and three clearances.
Veteran Ange Foley also had a brilliant game, applying pressure, using her speed to break away and providing on-field leadership for the young side.
For Carlton, ever-reliable onballer Mimi Hill was integral at the engine room, while Abbie McKay, Peterson and Vaomua Laloifi all had defensive work that kept the Power from running away with it after the second quarter.
Maria Moloney’s goal was a particularly nice moment for fans. Over the past three seasons, the 27-year-old was a mainstay of the emergency spot at Brisbane – their depth denying any room for the inside midfielder – before being signed by the Power, where she sees game time and is an integral part of their midfield unit.
Notably, the Blues were without midfielder Maddy Guerin, who went down with a knee injury at the start of the game.
CARLTON: 2.1 2.1 3.1 4.3 (27)
PORT ADELAIDE: 0.1 4.2 4.3 4.3 (27)
GOALS
Carlton: Dal Pos, Moody, O’Dea, Peterson
Port Adelaide: De Melo 2, Levicki, Moloney
BEST
Carlton: Peterson, Hill, McKay, Laloifi, Moody
Port Adelaide: Ewings, Foley, Dowrick, Phillips, Moloney
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.
