MELBOURNE fell two points short of Carlton at IKON Park, despite a surging second-half charge driven by a host of debut Demons.
After last week’s intra-club game, Melbourne faced up against its first outside opposition in 2024.
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Carlton shot out of the gates in the first two quarters, piling on pressure to Melbourne’s backline which stood tall to consume the pressure.
Tahlia Gillard continued her stellar 2023 form, taking multiple intercept marks alongside Maeve Chaplin, who also showed aerial supremacy from against Carlton’s unrelenting pressure.
This defensive prowess was recognised in both the half-time break and post-game by head coach Mick Stinear.
Melbourne came out in the second quarter and increased the pressure count by several notches but struggled to impact the scoreboard.
New recruit Grace Beasley was instrumental in Melbourne’s pressure increase, seamlessly slotting into the midfield and bringing a tough contest to each stoppage.
Alongside Beasley it was Melbourne’s usual suspects who helped control the game in Kate Hore and Olivia Purcell collecting a number of clearances to turn the tide.
The second half looked much more like a Melbourne game and with Carlton locked into their defensive half, the Demons pilled on the pressure.
The addition of Ryleigh Wotherspoon at half-time made a huge impact, instantly assisting Melbourne’s first goal and kicking one of her own.
Speed was key for the third quarter as Melbourne found their groove, creating chances from pressure and moving the ball with ease, causing headaches for Carlton’s midfield and backline.
Shelly Heath, Tyla Hanks and Kate Hore stepped up around the contest and kickstarted a run of Melbourne counter attacks, creating countless scoring opportunities.
Eden Zanker also continued her 2024 form, bringing forward half pressure and kicking a handful of goals from turnover inside Carlton’s forward 50.
The change in Melbourne’s mindset brought the game within reach, falling short of Carlton by two points after four quarters.
Despite the two-point deficit, the impact and change of both energy and mindset from a team with nine new faces pulling on red and blue was a silver lining from the night’s play.
Carlton – 6.4.40
Melbourne – 5.8.38
