Match Report
Carlton has recorded a 41-point win in the elimination final.
By Cristian Filippo, Carlton Media
CARLTON has stormed into week two of the 2025 AFLW finals series with a resounding win over West Coast.
With a classic third-quarter surge at IKON Park the catalyst, the Blues led from the start and never looked back in the 9.6 (60) to 2.7 (19) victory.
On a wet day on Royal Parade where the Blues had no shortage of contributors, it was a six-goal third term which took the game from a tight tussle at the main break to well and truly on Carlton’s terms.
After her exploits in the final term between these two sides last week, it was Erone Fitzpatrick who got the Blues rolling, as the All-Australian squad nominee drove one home on the run after a Mia Austin assist.
Brea Harrington was at her physical best in the opening term, and when she found Tara Bohanna – two of only five Blues with finals experience before the game – the Blues had some breathing room.
While Carlton kept West Coast scoreless at the opening change, it was anything but one-way traffic, as the Blues’ defenders – including Darcy Vescio, who was excellent early – had to stand up on numerous occasions under West Coast.
Kicking to the scoring end in the second term, it wasn’t long until the Eagles broke through via Ella Roberts, as the travelling side started to get a foothold on the game.
The Blues’ leaders had to stand up, with Mimi Hill (six disposals) and Abbie McKay (five disposals) starting to get their hands on the ball as the Blues held the Eagles at bay to end the half.
Taking an eight-point lead into the main break, it was all set up for an old-fashioned premiership quarter on Royal Parade.
Carlton delivered.
It was a Blue blood who answered the call, with Sophie McKay kicking two classy goals in a matter of minutes, while Irish stars Dayna Finn and Erone Fitzpatrick following suit.
Maddy Guerin surged the ball out of the middle at will with 11 third-quarter disposals as Carlton went forward at all costs, winning clearances 12-4 and dominating territory in the wet.
The Blues’ desperation was exemplified when Maddy Hendrie nailed another crucial one-on-one contest on the last line for the second straight week.
The best moment of a brilliant Carlton quarter came right at the end, when Mia Austin – recalled to the side this week – kicking a goal on the siren and dedicating it to her late cousin Ben Austin, with her teammates coming from everywhere in response.
The Blues had turned an eight-point half-time lead into a 45-point three-quarter-time lead, ensuring the final quarter was a more comfortable one than the last term between the two teams last week.
A goal apiece in the final term – the Blues’ coming through Finn – meant it was a 41-point win for the Blues, who will take on Hawthorn at IKON Park in a semi final next weekend (time still to be confirmed).
CARLTON 2.3 2.4 8.6 9.6 (60)
WEST COAST 0.0 1.2 1.3 2.7 (19)
GOALS
Carlton: Finn 2, Fitzpatrick 2, S.McKay 2, Austin, Bohanna, Scholz
