PORT MELBOURNE overturned a convincing four-goal loss to Carlton from Round 1, turning over the Blues by 15 points at ETU Stadium on Sunday for a fifth straight win to maintain second spot.
The Borough were well beaten by the Blues in that opening round game as well as a practice match, but relished getting them on home turf, conceding their lowest ever score and holding a team goalless for the first time in their VFLW history.
The first goal didn’t come until 15 minutes into the second quarter when Stella Reid kicked truly and Port added two more in the third for the only other majors of the game.
Port’s win came despite conceding 42 inside-50s and earning just 19 of their own, with Carlton also winning disposals 233-215, hit-outs and clearances.
Jessie Williams (20 disposals, six marks, eight clearances, five rebounds) continues to relish her move up the field, Lauren Caruso (19 disposals, 10 tackles) and Kaitlyn O’Keefe (16 disposals, six clearances, 13 tackles, one goal) were impossible to avoid, and Olivia Barton (17 disposals, six rebounds), Taylah Watson (14 disposals, eight marks, five tackles), Saraid Taylor (12 tackles), Kate Adams (nine tackles) and Kate Dudley (32 hitouts) all did their jobs.
Maddie Di Cosmo was again prolific for Carlton, compiling 30 possessions which was ten more than any other player on the grounds. Chloe Wrigley laid a game-high 14 tackles, while Marianna Anthony had 20 disposals in her second game for the Blues after crossing from North Melbourne.
PORT MELBOURNE 0.2, 1.2, 3.3, 3.5 (23)
CARLTON 0.3, 0.3, 0.4, 0.8 (8)