Big crowd sees Blues conquer Pies in style

CARLTON has opened the 2018 AFL Women’s season with a hard-fought eight-point win last night over Collingwood in front of another big crowd at Ikon Park.

There was no repeat of the lockout for last year’s seasonopener, but a healthy crowd of 19,852 fans saw the Blues hang on for a 3.4 (22) to 2.2 (14) win.

While the AFL will be pleased at the turnout, efforts to encourage greater scoring fell flat with neither team able to kick a goal in the second half. Carlton skipper Brianna Davey led the way with 16 possessions, with high-profile recruit Tayla Harris also prominent for the home side.

First-round draft pick Chloe Molloy starred in her debut game with 20 touches for the Magpies.

Collingwood’s Jasmine Garner kicked the opening goal of the inaugural AFL Women’s season and history repeated when she kicked truly from a set shot to open proceedings.

The Pies scored just one goal in last year’s season-open- er and last night’s contest looked set to follow a similar script. Carlton poured on the defensive pressure and Harris helped her new side to a sevenpoint lead at quarter-time with her first goal in navy blue.

Amelia Barden goaled as the Pies enjoyed a bright patch in the second term without making the most of it on the scoreboard.

The Pies camped in their attacking half in the final term but their efforts were stifled by a desperate Carlton defensive effort that secured the points.