Claiming medal well worth the trip for impressive Carbone
IT WAS a hell of a fly-in trip for freshly-minted Brenda Williams Medal winner Dominique Carbone.
After playing five games with Hawthorn’s VFLW team, she returned to the NT to star in the Buffettes’ first Women’s Premier League premiership in six years.
“I feel very blessed to be part of two amazing clubs,” she said.
Carbone, who played 10 Premier
League matches with the Buffs this season before chasing higher honours, dominated at TIO Stadium with clean possession and two crucial goals in a low-scoring affair.
“At the end of the day, it wasn’t about me, it was how the team came out,” she said. “We really brought our pressure today.”
She agreed with skipper Kylie Duggan’s view that last year’s 11-point grand final loss to PINT was the ultimate motivator.
“We were a very strong side last year but everything’s a learning experience,” she said.
“That’s one that definitely hurt us, but definitely helped us to grow as a team to come back and win it. We didn’t want that feeling again.
“It was unfinished business (this season). We left that final heartbroken. It hurts when you lose but it’s pushed us to be better.
“It’s great to come back and own the cup and do what we do best.”
Carbone paid tribute to first-time coach Mel Taylor’s ability to create a “community” where players thrived.
“(Buffaloes) helped me get better and want nothing but the best for me,” she said.
“It comes down to what we built. Our biggest motivation was playing for each other. We’ve built a family here, that’s a strong base to build up off.”
Carbone hoped she could enjoy the same level of success with Hawthorn when she returns next week.