Grace Egan plays a critical role in her debut season

The Round 5 ‘Respect Game’ saw St Kilda play Carlton with the girls in blue wearing orange socks in support of gender equality and the prevention of violence against women.

Fresh off her Rising Star nomination, Grace Egan played an immense role in the Blues victory against the Saints whilst earning her first AFLW goal. 

The Blues were in for a contest as the Saints opened the scoreboard looking to stretch Carlton defensively and in counterattack.

From the opening whistle, Egan’s movement, touch and vision settled the midfield contest as the Blue’s were able to put together 16 marks in the opening quarter and ensure possession and inside 50s remained at a high percentage.

Finishing the game with 12 disposals and three marks Egan proved herself to be a key impact player despite only five appearances in the AFLW. 

Kerryn Harrington’s leadership critical to Carlton’s young squad

Despite the final score line, the Saints made Carlton earn every part of their victorious four points. 

The Saints had a structured defense and retaliated to the Blues with critical goals in the first half, as Patrikios looked to give the Saints that spark to close in on their lead.

However, it was Kerryn Harrington’s superb performance that kept the Blue’s defense tight as the dual captain showed a wealth of expertise finishing the game with 21 disposables, 15 kicks and 8 marks.

St Kilda’s quick movement and aggression forced Carlton to work hard to breakthrough.

Harrington’s leadership alongside fellow captain Katie Loynes was highlighted as they remained focused and composed despite the Saints slotting the opening goal.

Harrington steadied the young Carlton ship and despite a hard-fought effort from the Saints, the blues were able to come over the top defeating St Kilda 50-29.

Blues’ teamwork makes the dream work

The Blues’ ability to stick to their game plan and have faith within the team was visible throughout all four quarters.

The girls in blue displayed an incredible amount of composure as a whole unit, showing just how much trust they have between each other.  

Carlton’s aggressive forward stretched the Saints’ defense as the ball was worked between all the lines.

Forward line combinations between Vescio and Dalton and Harris and Gee further showed the aggression and strength across the park as the ball was well worked through the lines.

Carlton further proved just how strong their squad is, as each individual player became an impact player offering their own specialty and individual flare for the team.

The extreme sense of camaraderie within the Blues camp cannot remain unsaid and it was highlighted this round by the energy they brought to all four quarters of the match.