Goalkickers: Katie Loynes 1

Reports: Sarah Hosking (Carlton) for forceful front-on contact on Jordan Ivey (Geelong) in the first quarter. - $400 fine with an early plea. Maddie Boyd (Geelong) for rough conduct on Jessica Hosking (Carlton) in the fourth quarter. - one week suspension. Aasta O'Connor (Geel) reported fro striking Nicola Stevens (Carl) in the first quarter - 2 weeks suspension.

Umpires: Edwards, Bailes, Gibson

Injuries: Nil

Ladder: Third

Game Review

Cats boost finals hopes against misfiring Blues
Geelong has recorded its second win for the AFLW season, defeating Carlton in a tense, low-scoring affair by five points to help it go top of Conference B. Inaccuracy was a big issue for both sides throughout the game, but the Cats managed to just scrape home 2.7 (19) to 1.8 (14) at GMHBA Stadium. Carlton captain Brianna Davey has spent time up forward and in the middle of the ground this year, but was moved to her customary defensive role in an attempt to counter Geelong's tall forward line. She was matched primarily against Phoebe McWilliams, who was Geelong's best player throughout the game, picking up eight disposals, five marks and kicking a goal in the first half alone. Something had to change at half-time, and Carlton coach Daniel Harford threw his most dynamic player in Davey into the middle. She immediately won the first clearance and kick-started a third quarter that saw Carlton hold Geelong scoreless, as well as kicking 10 points in a low-scoring affair. The Cats won by dominating large portions of the game, locking the ball in their forward half and putting the Blues' backline under enormous pressure with repeat entries. Carlton defenders Gab Pound (16 disposals) and Kerryn Harrington (18) did extremely well under duress, while Geelong's midfield trio of Renee Garing (15 and nine tackles), ex-Blue Maddy Keryk (14 and five marks) and Richelle Cranston (12 and nine tackles) were dominant. Athletic Carlton forward Tayla Harris had a nightmare third quarter, hitting the post twice from within 10m of goal (including running into the goalsquare) and seeing marks just fall from her grasp. Blues father-daughter selection Abbey McKay (seven touches) showed a bit in her debut but tired as the match progressed. Carlton midfielder Sarah Hosking will face a nervous wait, on report for front-on contact against Jordan Ivey in the first quarter. Ivey played out the game. Twin Jess Hosking was also involved in a report, with Geelong forward Maddie Boyd's name in the book for rough conduct (taking the legs out while going for the ball) on the Blue. - Sarah Black.

Tayla's torrid third term - After an eventful week where Tayla Harris successfully argued her case at the Tribunal, downgrading her one-match suspension for rough conduct to a reprimand, it was a match to forget for the star Carlton forward. Harris hit the post twice in the third term from close range and dropped several marks. She looked to have shaken it off at the start of the fourth, taking a strong mark, but played on quickly and hit the post for a third time.

Carlton's forward line Blues - It's been an interesting season for Carlton. Coming off a wooden spoon in 2018, the Blues revamped their football program, bringing in coach Harford and Nicole Graves in a new head of women's football role. The pair have reinvigorated the team, but there's still a bit of a rocky road ahead. The Blues have shown they have the scoring power of a top side, kicking 44 and 65 points, but consistency remains an issue. Round one saw a score of 16 and Saturday's match was just 14 points, the club's equal-second lowest total.

Chase for finals - With Brisbane yet to play, Geelong is sitting pretty at the top of the Conference B ladder. The Cats have won two of their four games but will need a big win to boost their percentage, currently sitting at 70.10. Another win should secure a top-two finish in the five-team pool, but Geelong has a tough road ahead with games against Brisbane, Fremantle and GWS. By contrast, Carlton is second but could drop to fourth by the end of the round, and will need at least two more wins for a finals spot.

Best; Brianna Davey, Gabriella Pound, Madeline Prespakis, Kerryn Peterson.

First ever Father-Daughter Player
Abbie McKay became the first player in the AFLW to play senior football at the club their father played at. McKay has followed in the steps of her champion father Andrew McKay who was a champion of the Carlton FC and represented the Blues in 244 games, and was also a best and fairest winner and premiership player. These are bid steps to follow but no doubt Abbie will give her all in the famous Navy Blue. Ironically Carlton had the first ever father-son player with Harvey Dunn jnr playing his first game for the Blues in 1951 after his father Harvey Snr had previously represented the Carlton FC.

Team

Selection Changes;

In: Rhiannon Watt, Abbie McKay
Out: Breann Moody, Kirby Bentley

Milestones

Debut: Abbie McKay
Last Game (Carlton): Rhiannon Watt

AFLW Coaches Votes

8 - Maddy McMahon (GEEL)
8 - Kerryn Peterson (CARL)
5 - Richelle Cranston (GEEL)
4 - Brianna Davey (CARL)
2 - Madeline Keryk (GEEL)
2 - Meghan McDonald (GEEL)
1 - Denby Taylor (GEEL)

AFLW Team of the Week

Defenders - Kerryn Peterson
Interchange - Brianna Davey

Best and Fairest Votes

Match Highlights