A spectacular performance from Carlton star Darcy Vescio has ensured the Blues’ new AFLW era under rookie coach Mathew Buck has begun in thrilling fashion at Princes Park on Saturday with a two-point win over Gold Coast.
Three consecutive goals from the Blues helped them open up a 23-point lead early in the final term, but the Suns weren’t done with yet and they proceeded to kick the next three majors to get back within two points with 3:34 left in the game.
The last of those goals was controversial as Carlton defender Vaomua Laloifi was penalised for holding Gold Coast’s Jamie Stanton in the marking contest 15m out from goal, when it appeared as though both players were grabbing hold of each other.
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The Suns had the chance to hit the front with 58 seconds left, but captain Tara Bohanna hesitated and was ultimately penalised for incorrect disposal while being tackled 25m out from goal.
After being goalless in their last seven games last season, Vescio reminded the footy world that they are still a force to be reckoned with by booting a game-high three majors.
Gold Coast debutant Meara Girvin was thrown to the wolves with the big job on Vescio and she was duly given a baptism of fire.
Vescio’s second goal was the highlight. With the Suns threatening early in the second half, the Carlton forward produced some magic to keep them at bay by outmarking Girvin with strength in the forward pocket before converting a spectacular snap shot from an acute angle on the boundary line.
BLUES TACKLING FEROCIOUS
Gold Coast started brighter, but couldn’t translate their early ascendancy onto the scoreboard and the Blues made the visitors pay by kicking the first two goals to lead by 13 points early in the second quarter.
Carlton’s ferocious pressure was overwhelming and they had a staggering 19 more tackles at half-time (47-28), before winning that stat convincingly 91-76.
The ball lived in the hosts’ forward half for most of the second term, but they too failed to capitalise on their dominance and the revitalised Suns cut the deficit to six points early in the third period as the territory battle swung back in their favour, before a rollercoaster second half capped off a thrilling contest between the two sides.
REJIGGED BLUES PAY OFF
In their bid to bolster their attacking options, Carlton took a strategic gamble by playing their All-Australian ruck Breanna Moody in the forward line, leaving Jess Good to shoulder the bulk of the ruck responsibility.
And it was a risk that paid off because although the Blues lost the hit-outs 30-40, they came out on top in clearances 28-25.
It was a new-look Carlton side with five club debutants, including former Richmond defender Harriet Cordner and ex-Sydney back Gen Lawson-Tavan, as well as first-gamers Erone Fitzpatrick from Ireland, Marianna Anthony and Maddy Hendrie.
And what a debut it was from Anthony who looked extremely comfortable at the top level 14 disposals, 11 tackles, five clearances and a goal.
Blues captain Kerryn Peterson was missing from their backline due to a knee injury that will likely sideline her for the first three games, and despite the Suns finishing with far more inside 50s (36-25), the likes of Cordner, Vaomua Laloifi and Lawson-Tavan were pivotal in restricting the Suns’ scoring.
Lawson-Tavan was added to the list only recently in place of Maddy Guerin who was placed on the inactive list as she continues her rehabilitation from an ACL rupture.
ROWBOTTOM SHINES AGAIN
The Suns’ line-up also underwent dramatic change with no fewer than seven new faces featuring against Carlton.
Off-season recruits Jordan Membrey (from Collingwood), Maddy Brancatisano (Richmond) and Clara Fitzpatrick (St Kilda) were joined by four AFLW debutants Alana Gee, Darcie Davies, Girvan and Irishwoman Niamh McLaughlin.
Three of those list spots were vacated by Serene Watson (St Kilda), Elle Hampson (Brisbane) and Courtney Jones (Richmond) who all departed the club this year.
Charlie Rowbottom continued to show what a star in the making she is, finishing with 25 touches (20 contested), 12 tackles, nine clearances and a goal.
Claudia Whitfort was also a huge performer for the Suns as she recorded 23 disposals and 10 tackles.
