Goalkickers: S. McKay 2.1, E. Fitzpatrick 2.0, D. Finn 2.0, T. Bohanna 1.1, P. Scholz 1.0, M. Austin 1.0, B. Harrington 0.2, M. Hill 0.1, Rushed 0.4.

Reports: Nil.

Umpires: Matthew Baigent, Joshua Ball, Gen Devenish.

Injuries: Nil.

Game Review

Blues march on with resounding elimination final win

Carlton has recorded a 41-point win in the elimination final. - By Cristian Filippo, Carlton Media.

Carlton has stormed into week two of the 2025 AFLW finals series with a resounding win over West Coast. With a classic third-quarter surge at IKON Park the catalyst, the Blues led from the start and never looked back in the 9.6 (60) to 2.7 (19) victory. On a wet day on Royal Parade where the Blues had no shortage of contributors, it was a six-goal third term which took the game from a tight tussle at the main break to well and truly on Carlton’s terms. After her exploits in the final term between these two sides last week, it was Erone Fitzpatrick who got the Blues rolling, as the All-Australian squad nominee drove one home on the run after a Mia Austin assist. Brea Harrington was at her physical best in the opening term, and when she found Tara Bohanna - two of only five Blues with finals experience before the game - the Blues had some breathing room. While Carlton kept West Coast scoreless at the opening change, it was anything but one-way traffic, as the Blues’ defenders - including Darcy Vescio, who was excellent early - had to stand up on numerous occasions under West Coast. Kicking to the scoring end in the second term, it wasn’t long until the Eagles broke through via Ella Roberts, as the travelling side started to get a foothold on the game. The Blues’ leaders had to stand up, with Mimi Hill (six disposals) and Abbie McKay (five disposals) starting to get their hands on the ball as the Blues held the Eagles at bay to end the half.

Taking an eight-point lead into the main break, it was all set up for an old-fashioned premiership quarter on Royal Parade. Carlton delivered. It was a Blue blood who answered the call, with Sophie McKay kicking two classy goals in a matter of minutes, while Irish stars Dayna Finn and Erone Fitzpatrick following suit. Maddy Guerin surged the ball out of the middle at will with 11 third-quarter disposals as Carlton went forward at all costs, winning clearances 12-4 and dominating territory in the wet. The Blues’ desperation was exemplified when Maddy Hendrie nailed another crucial one-on-one contest on the last line for the second straight week. The best moment of a brilliant Carlton quarter came right at the end, when Mia Austin - recalled to the side this week - kicking a goal on the siren and dedicating it to her late cousin Ben Austin, with her teammates coming from everywhere in response. The Blues had turned an eight-point half-time lead into a 45-point three-quarter-time lead, ensuring the final quarter was a more comfortable one than the last term between the two teams last week. A goal apiece in the final term - the Blues’ coming through Finn - meant it was a 41-point win for the Blues, who will take on Hawthorn at IKON Park in a semi final next weekend (time still to be confirmed). Carlton record their third best score of the year, but more importantly their defence conceded their lowest score of the year to seal a date with Hawthorn in a semi-final. They have only played the Hawks twice since Hawthorn joined the competition in 2022, but have lost on both occasions, most recently by eight points in Round 2 this year. Carlton dominated the Eagles at stoppage in today's match, leading clearances 33-19. After halftime, the Blues won seven out of nine centre clearances which helped them run away with the game in the third term.

Blues blitz Eagles in the wet to set up Hawks semi-final

The Blues have crushed the Eagles in their elimination final. - By Phoebe McWilliams at Ikon Park.

For the second time in as many weeks, Carlton proved too good for West Coast. But unlike last week, the Blues' win in Saturday's elimination final ended the Eagles' season. Carlton piled on six goals in the third quarter, two coming through livewire forward Sophie McKay, separating the two sides as the Blues went on to win 9.6 (60) to 2.7 (19) win in front of a crowd of 3420. The 41-point win sets up a semi-final between Carlton and Hawthorn next week. It was a wet and miserable day in Melbourne, but some of the competition's brightest young stars shone, creating an entertaining contest despite the challenging conditions. The Blues' young players lifted in the third quarter. Sophie McKay booted two goals to go with her eight disposals in the third, while Poppy Scholz finally got the better of her match-up with Jess Rentsch, kicking a goal of her own. But there were two other Blues who played starring roles. Carlton's Irish duo, Erone Fitzpatrick and Dayna Finn, looked right at home in the cold and wet conditions, providing run and carry as they sent the Blues into attack. The two Irish recruits, who were both named in the All-Australian squad during the week, kicked two goals each, while Fitzpatrick had 23 disposals. For the Eagles, it was also their young stars who stood up in their club's biggest game in its short history. Ella Roberts battled hard all day, as did Lucia Painter, who had an injury scare in the first quarter after knocking her knee in a marking contest. The game was the last for inaugural AFLW player Dana Hooker, who has announced her retirement. Tara Bohanna continued in her quest to be the recruit of the year, the key forward providing a tall marking target for the Blues inside 50. The former Gold Coast captain kicked one major and had 10 disposals. Though the Eagles will be disappointed that their season has come to an end, the young side has taken another step forward under coach Daisy Pearce. Pearce will no doubt be proud of her side's efforts in 2025, and even though they were down by 45 points at three-quarter time, the Eagles fought hard and outscored the Blues in the final term. Veteran Belinda Smith was the only injury for the day, hurting her hamstring in the first quarter, prematurely ending her 75th game.

Touching tribute
Mia Austin has had a challenging few weeks following the passing of her young cousin, Ben, in a tragic cricket accident. Austin took her moments in Saturday's final, providing the first goal assist and kicking one of her own in the third quarter. Following her goal, Austin saluted to the sky, in recognition of her cousin, while every one of her teammates swarmed her with hugs and cheers in a moment to remember.

Up next
Carlton's finals series will continue when it faces Hawthorn next week. The two sides have met once this season in round two, the Hawks winning on that occasion by eight points. For West Coast, its season is over and it will look towards 2026.

Team

In: Amelia Velardo, Mia Austin.
Out: Lila Keck (omitted), Siofra O'Connell (omitted).

Interesting Facts

1. This is Carlton's 4th finals match, and they have all been played against interstate clubs.
2. Dayna Finn kicked a career high 2 goals in this game.

Milestones

50 Games: Keeley Sherar

Club Best and Fairest Votes

Match Highlights