UPDATED: In 2017, Carlton defeated Collingwood by 35 points in the historic inaugural AFLW game in front of a lockout crowd at IKON park. Eight years later, the rivals faced each other again in the opening game of the league’s 10th season and the Magpies were keen for payback.
But the Blues were able to repeat history, dominating the second-half of the game and winning 6.9 (45) to 3.3 (21) in front of 8042 fans.
Tara Bohanna of the Blues kicks a goal.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
In a post match conference, Carlton coach Matthew Buck said his side had showed a mature performance and was thrilled with the win.
Earlier in the day AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the AFLW will have some form of representative football next season.
Buck said displaying the best of the women’s competition to everyone was a great idea and was open to a State of Origin or an Australian versus Ireland match.
“The time of year that we do it, probably prior to the season,” he said. “I think it would fit well.”
Ashley Centra of the Magpies celebrates a goal celebrates her goal on debut.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Collingwood coach Sam Wright reflected on the loss and said his side struggled to lock the ball down.
“Credit to Carlton, they came out fighting,” Wright said.
Despite the loss, Wright said the Magpies showed patches of good signs, and praised rookie Ash Centra who kicked a goal on her debut and was on managed minutes.
“She’s [Centra] got a cult-following,” he said. “Every time she got the ball… you could hear the crowd. “I just think it’s so great for our game. I mean, the long sleeves, you see her coming from a mile away.
“I was really happy for her that she kicked that goal, she’s going to be a serious player.”
Collingwood veteran Sabrina Frederick opened the quarter with the first goal of the night, letting out a big scream that echoed around IKON Park. Carlton continued to fumble the ball while Collingwood boosted their scores with a goal from Alana Porter.
The Blues pushed in front for the second quarter, aided by some brilliant performances from rookies Poppy Scholtz – the sister of Port Adelaide’s Matilda Scholtz and first-gamer Sophie McKay.
Last year’s no.1 draft pick Ash Centra made a stunning debut for Collingwood, taking a mark and booting a goal with her first kick.
Carlton powered ahead in the third however both teams struggled with accuracy, botching several attempts at goal after a tug of war for possession.
The Blues had the momentum in the fourth and ran away to win by 24 points.
This evening’s milestone game was also a special moment for diehard fans – many of whom witnessed the league’s first game in 2017.
Teacher Louise Noonan was cheering in the stands and recalled attending the inaugural game eight years ago with a group of staff.
Noonan said she never been a football fan before, but her students were so excited by the prospect of women’s footy, so she decided to attend
“Walking to the ground was so exciting and emotional,” Noonan said.
“I felt so elated to be there to see this and tell my current and future students about it. When the players came out I just cried.
“The following week, after talking about it at school, I decided to find out if there were any women’s teams in my area.”
The then 39-year-old joined the Ivanhoe Women’s seniors team and played her first game of footy.
“It was honestly the most nervous but exciting moment in my adult life! Even though my nose got broken in the first 15 minutes of my first game.
“If it weren’t for AFLW my identity and life would be quite different,” she continued.
“So I am immensely grateful that we have this comp.”
