DETAILS: Melbourne v Carlton
DATE: Saturday 12 March
TIME: 7:10pm (AEDT)
LOCATION: Casey Fields
BROADCAST: Seven Network, Fox Footy and Kayo Sports
GAME DAY GUIDE: Available here
TICKETS: Available here
LAST TIME WE MET: Round 6, 2020 | Melbourne v Carlton | Casey Fields
Melbourne and Carlton haven’t faced each other since Round 6 of the 2020 season where the two sides travelled to TIO Traegar Park to battle it out in Alice Springs.
The game started with an epic goal from Melbourne forward Kate Hore, seen running all the way along the wing to eventually dribble it through for the first goal of the game. Then the match went tit-for-tat, as each team's score was matched by the opposition right up until halftime.
The Demons led by just eight points at the main break, but it was at this point that Carlton flipped the game to their advantage, kicking two goals to none in the third quarter. This momentum didn't stop for the Blues, going on to dominate the remainder of the match, restricting Melbourne's scoreboard impact while kicking a further two goals in the last quarter.
Carlton finished the day in Alice Springs with a 3.6 (24) to 6.4 (40) win.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Melbourne
Libby Birch
Birch, who has been a part of the league since its inception in 2017, will run out for the 50th time on Saturday night, celebrating a remarkable moment in her career. The defender is just the fourth player in the competition to reach this milestone, a reflection of how much of an impact she has had in the league since its first season. The never-give-up defender is one of the most reliable players in the competition and continues to be a rock in the Demons’ backline.
Daisy Pearce
It’s no secret that Pearce is coming off her best game in Melbourne’s forward line since she started her career in the red and blue. Kicking five goals in the Demons' 88-point win over Fremantle most likely puts the experienced Demon in a confident space heading into this week’s match against Carlton. Working alongside a number of other talented players in Tayla Harris, Alyssa Bannan and Kate Hore, Pearce is guaranteed to make a scoreboard impact, whether that be directly herself or through score involvements (currently averaging 4.3).
Tyla Hanks
While it was Pearce who was celebrated in last week’s record-breaking win (and rightfully so) with five goals, Hanks’ outstanding performance on Optus Stadium flew under the radar. The Melbourne midfielder was incredibly influential through stoppages and went on to collect 21 disposals. Currently averaging 17.6 disposals and 5.5 tackles, it's clear that Hanks' control and composure in the midfield has a positive ripple effect throughout the ground.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Carlton
Madison Prespakis
In the previous three seasons that Prespaskis has been a part of the AFLW, she has made sure to make herself known as one of the best in the league. After years of award-winning and All-Australian performances, Prespaskis has continued in 2022 to prove just how important she is to Carlton's line-up. Averaging 21.2 disposals, 3.8 clearances and 3.2 tackles, the midfielder is top of the to-watch list.
Lucy McEvoy
McEvoy returns to Carlton’s starting side following a short stint on the sidelines with calf tightness. The energetic midfielder turned defender packs a punch through the contest and if the last meeting between these two sides is anything to go by (McEvoy registering 19 disposals), she will be a target for the Demons on Saturday night.
Darcy Vescio
Vescio has been a consistent member of Carlton’s starting side since the club’s inception back in 2017. In Round 8, they reached the 50-goal milestone, the first AFLW player to do so, a feat reflective of their impact in their career. Vescio's reliability in front of goals and clean skills make them the perfect forward for the Blues.
