A fast-finishing Port Melbourne VFLW fell to Carlton by eight points at Ikon Park on Saturday.
A Blues team featuring a host of AFLW stars led by 19 points just before three quarter-time but had to withstand a blistering charge from the reigning premiers to claim their second win of the season.
The Borough was aiming to celebrate the 50th games of Lauren Caruso and Jessie Williams but found themselves chasing tail after falling 21 points behind midway through the second quarter.
They only had one goal on the board at three quarter-time but charged home with the first three majors of the last term to get within a point with four minutes to play, but the Blues held firm and star goalkicker Darcy Vescio finally broke the shackles to kick their only goal on the final siren to seal the win.
It was the Blues’ AFLW talent that made the difference, with 2022 best-and-fairest Mimi Hill on fire with 26 disposals and a goal, young gun Lily Goss having 19 touches and two goals, Keeley Sherar adding 21 touches, five marks, five clearances and six tackles and experienced defender Gen Lawson-Tavan giving nothing away.
Maddie Shevlin was terrific for Port with 22 touches and six marks, while Eloise Ashley-Cooper (17 disposals), milestone woman Lauren Caruso and Laura McClelland also did well.
CARLTON 1.3 3.4 4.4 5.6 (36)
PORT MELBOURNE 0.1 1.1 1.4 4.4 (28)
