Blues’ steely performance a finals rehearsal

Of course, the Blues have a few big names like Harris and Vescio running around alongside some of the AFLW’s most talented youngsters in Prespakis, McEvoy and Georgia Gee, but they’re certainly not overflowing with headline talent in the way that other teams are – which makes their form that much more impressive.

Melbourne weren’t lacking for star power (despite their long and growing injury list) and it seemed that after the first half was in the books, the Demons were in the box seat.

Even as the game turned and Carlton used tempo footy with territory control through calm field kicking interspersed with run and carry to brutal effect, names like Paxman, Pearce, Scott, O’Dea and Zanker kept bobbing their heads up in cameo roles.

Billed as an early glimpse into the Conference B finals, this game lived up to the hype as Carlton put in a very finals footy-like effort through leadership, will, communication, coaching and a sprinkling of panache when the occasion called for it.

They made the Grand Final last year and all signs point to them being an even better side this season.

Kate Hore kicks goal of the year

 There are moments in sport when the background blurs, time slows, and every sense attunes to the greatness in front of you.

It’s not hyperbole to say the wing-length running, multi-bouncing, don’t argue giving, dish and receiving, forward pocket snapping six pointer from the Dees’ sharp shooter was by far the best goal we’ve seen in 2020.

There’s valid argument that it could be the best goal scored in the four-year history of the league.

Amid a flurry of high-quality play from both sides in a supremely entertaining opening term, Hore’s effort was the cherry on top.

The only pity was the lack of crowd to bring the house down afterwards.

Morrison one day, Lampard the next

If spirits were already at a low after Nina Morrison’s confirmed ACL injury for the second time in successive seasons, the same devastating knee issue returning to haunt Sarah Lampard surely pushed those spirits to the depths of despair.

Lampard – who has already tasted the bitterness of the crucial ligament rupture in 2018 – was taken off to join the throngs of wounded Demons on the sidelines midway through the match.

Hers is the fifth knee-related setback for the club who just last week activated Sarah Perkins from their supplementary list so as to have enough players to choose a side from.

Remarkably, Melbourne still sits in a relatively good place on the ladder despite their eviscerated list, but every game from here on out is a must-win.

Surely they have paid their dues to the injury gods by now?