Listen Live
CARLTON'S convincing 29-point semi-final win over Brisbane was marred by the report of Tayla Harris and an injury to rising star Maddie Prespakis at IKON Park on Sunday afternoon.
Harris was reported for a sling tackle on Brisbane's Emily Bates in the third term after playing a crucial part in the 6.8 (44) to 2.3 (15) win, crashing packs all afternoon to open the game up for the small forwards.
The Lions dominated the game in the early stages, but it was Darcy Vescio who stepped up for the Blues with seven disposals and a goal in the second quarter, providing a spark to shift the momentum of the game.
Carlton speedster Georgia Gee registered just three disposals in the first half, but the forward came to life with two third-quarter goals to give Carlton a comfortable lead.
BLUES WIN BUT COULD LOSE STAR Full match coverage and stats
Blues defender Kerryn Harrington was the best player on the ground for most of the afternoon, but the 27-year-old gave away a silly kick which allowed Jesse Wardlaw to kick a goal and give the Lions some hope heading into the final quarter.
Gee iced the game with her third goal in the final term, dashing any hopes the Lions had of a comeback.
Carlton midfielder Maddy Prespakis was electric early with eight disposals in the first term, but the young gun limped off with an ankle injury at the end of the third term and struggled to hit top speed when she returned in the fourth quarter.
Phantom touch?
Maddy Prespakis might have been robbed of a goal in the third term after the umpires adjudicated her shot was touched off the boot. It looked to be the wrong call after multiple replays showed that the goal should have stood.
Gee whiz
Georgia Gee simply does not miss. The electric small forward has taken her tally to eight goals in the 2020 NAB AFL Women's Competition, but she's yet to kick a behind. The third-year player equalled her career best with three goals, with the other hat trick coming in round three this year against the Bulldogs.
A tough cookie to crack
Carlton's defence looked impenetrable at times, conceding just two goals for the whole match. Brisbane bombed it long and high to Jesse Wardlaw often, but with Dakota Davidson missing through injury, the Blues were able to quell the advances with ease. Coach Daniel Harford has found a line-up that trusts each other and maintains its structure at all costs.
Say what?
"Every competition wants to have some closure and work out who was the best team in that particular year. This year might have to have the asterisk next to it," Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich said on whether we need a premier for the 2020 NAB AFL Women's Competition.
"We wouldn't have put her back out there if there was any risk with a player of her quality. She's fine, she'll be red hot whatever happens," Carlton coach Daniel Harford said of Maddy Prespakis' ankle injury.
CARLTON 1.0 2.2 4.6 6.8 (44)
BRISBANE 1.2 1.2 2.3 2.3 (15)
GOALS
Carlton: Gee 3, Harris, Vescio, McEvoy
Brisbane: Wuetschner, Wardlaw
BEST
Carlton: Harrington, Prespakis, Gee, Vescio, Dalton, J.Hosking
Brisbane: Anderson, Lutkins, Bates, Svarc, Wuetschner, Conway
INJURIES
Carlton: Prespakis (ankle)
Brisbane: Campbell (back)
LATE CHANGES
Carlton: Nil
Brisbane: Nil
Reports: Tayla Harris was reported for rough conduct on Emily Bates.
