CARLTON'S AFLW side fell eight points short to a rollicking North Melbourne outfit in it's first practice match on Saturday afternoon.

After a slow start to the match saw the Kangaroos pile on five unanswered goals the Blues executed a valiant fight-back in the second half.

Despite a strong display across the ground, the Blues fight-back fell short in the dying minutes.

Quarter 1

North Melbourne raced out of the blocks in the opening term, securing the first five goals of the game. The scoreboard was not reflective of the strong defensive skills of the Blues, with countless smothers and forced turnovers around the ground. Kerryn Harrington and Vaomua Laloifi stood strong down back against the Kangaroos with The Blues steadying halfway through the term, but remained scoreless as the quarter drew to a close.

Quarter 2

The second term saw the Game Changers repeatedly surge forward, locking the ball in their attacking half consistently. A collision in the opening minutes saw Lauren Brazzale stretchered from the ground after receiving a knock to the head. Immense pressure from the Blues was rewarded late in the first half with a run and carry from Georgia Gee onto Brooke Walker scoring the Blues first goal. Momentum favoured the Game Changers as Tayla Harris kicked the last goal of the term, closing the margin to 22-points.

Let me stop you right there @katieloynes.✋



Something is brewing here at Ikon Park.



CARL 21 NM 44#BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/xDL3QZYADg — Carlton Womens (@carltonfc_w) January 25, 2020

Quarter 3

The Game Changers began the second half dominating ferociously with Darcy Vescio tackling hard as they continued to threaten the Kangaroos lead. Tayla Harris inspired her teammates with her first and second efforts around the ground, as momentum continued to favour Carlton. The Blues maintained majority of possession however both teams were unable to capitalise on their efforts.

Quarter 4

The Blues breezed out of the blocks, as Sarah Hosking delivered the opening goal of the final term. Consecutive centre clearances allowed the blues to dominate the run of play early. North Melbourne weren’t without a fight, contending every ball. Lucy McEvoy debuted with excellence securing her first (unofficial) goal in the Navy Blue. Despite a courageous effort, the Blues were unable to overcome the Kangaroos and were eventually downed by eight points.

Moments of the Match

The Game Changers displayed plenty of skill across the ground, showing they are approaching Round 1 raring to go. A perfect run and carry in the second term from Georgia Gee onto Brooke Walker resulted in the Blues scoring their first goal of the day. This passage of play proved an exciting preview of what is to come in the season ahead.

Three things from the game:

1. The Game Changers showcased their improved ability to apply pressure across the ground with multiple smothers and turnovers as well as consistently applying themselves at each contest.

2. Tayla Harris is all class as she continues to impress with her second and third efforts around the ground and her reliability in front of goals.

3. The future is bright for the AFLW Blues with young guns Georgia Gee and Lucy McEvoy impressing in the hit out.

Match Summary:

CARLTON: 6.7 (43)

NORTH MELBOURNE: 8.3 (51)

GOALS

Carlton: Walker (2), Harris (2), S.Hosking, McEvoy

BEST

Carlton: Laloifi, Prespakis, McEvoy, Harris