Carlton defeat Hawthorn to move into AFLW top four

Carlton moved into the AFLW top four after defeating Hawthorn 5.6 (36) to 3.6 (24) in wet conditions at Princes Park on Thursday. The Blues established control with three goals during a four-minute spell in the first quarter and kept Hawthorn scoreless until midway through the second term. Carlton led 19-0 at quarter-time after goals from Sophie McKay, Dayna Finn and Erone Fitzpatrick.

Hawthorn responded before half-time when forward Poppy Stockwell scored, reducing the margin to 12 points. The visitors then continued their revival in the third quarter, with Stockwell and midfielder Kaitlyn Ashmore kicking goals to level the scores. Carlton regained the advantage through goals either side of three-quarter time.

Keeley Sherar then put the ball through the centre sticks as the home side held on for a 12-point win. Abbie McKay was central to Carlton’s performance, collecting 33 disposals and six clearances. Fitzpatrick finished with 26 disposals and two goals, while her second major helped restore the Blues’ advantage during the match’s decisive period.

“It was just the kind of game that you just need to keep getting the ball forward,” Fitzpatrick told Channel 7, describing the conditions as “great Irish weather”. The victory lifted Carlton’s record to 6-2 and placed last season’s preliminary finalists third on the ladder. Hawthorn fell to 4-4 and remained outside the congested top eight with four games remaining.

Lucy Wales recorded 20 disposals and nine hit-outs for the Hawks, while Eliza West had 22 disposals. Hawthorn had the first seven inside-50 entries but struggled to convert its opportunities. The Hawks finished with 52 inside 50s, according to ABC News Australia, but Carlton’s ability to capitalise on key moments decided the contest.