Carlton vs West Coast AFLW LIVE: Blues, Eagles locked in battle at soaked Ikon Park; Eagles lose veteran to injury

Carlton battled biblical downpours and torrential wind to secure a dominant 41-point win over West Coast at a rain-soaked Ikon Park on Sunday afternoon.

After Carlton’s victory over West Coast in Perth last week, Blues rookie Poppy Scholz admitted the win was scrappy and hoped the team would play on their own terms for the elimination final.

That’s exactly what the Blues did. After a see-saw start, the Blues took charge in the third quarter, with a six-goal term, propelled by their extraordinary crop of young talent in the forward.

Keeley Sherar (left) and Sophie McKay of the Blues celebrate a goal.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images

For superstitious folks, West Coast’s banner tearing apart before the players had a chance to run out wasn’t the greatest of omens. Chilly seven-degree temperatures and sideways rain turned the grass into a giant slipe-and-slide as players dived and crashed into each other.

All Australian squad member Erone Fitzpatrick slammed the opener for Carlton, inciting a roar from the dedicated poncho-clad Blues fans huddled in the stands.

Carlton amped up the pressure, with a brilliant mark and goal from Tara Bohanna to leave their rivals scoreless in the first quarter. Heavy rain drenched the ground in the second, however Daisy Pearce’s Eagles finally seemed to find their feet, aided by the wind that was finally on their side.

Eagles Midfielder Ella Roberts snapped a goal from 30 metres out, while heavy tackles left the Blues scoreless. Tensions simmered after Eagles defender Roxanne Roux went dived at Yasmin Duursma’s knees, giving up a free kick and leading to a push and shove between a few players.

The third quarter belonged to Carlton – more specifically, their young forward players.

A quick snap from a jubilant Sophie McKay kicked off the third followed by a cheeky dance celebration. McKay kicked her second major for the term minutes later with an accidental roll through to the goals, backed up with another goal from Fitzpatrick.

With a permanent smile plastered on her face, a brilliant Scholz fired another goal, as her teammates rallied around her.

Young Blues forward Mia Austin nailed a goal after the siren and her teammates flooded over to hug her.

Austin was first cousins with Ben Austin, the aspiring young cricketer who died in a training incident last week.

The Blues held sway in the final term to win by 41 points. They will face the Hawks in an elimination semi final next weekend.