Carlton have booked a spot in the AFLW grand final with a six-goal win over the Fremantle Dockers, taking full advantage of the home ground advantage afforded to them by the conference system.
Final score
Carlton Blues 9.10.64
Fremantle Dockers 4.4.28
Today, we’ll finds out the first team to qualify for the AFLW Grand Final in 2019, when the Blues host the Dockers at Ikon Park. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog, from 2:45pm AEDT.
One of the biggest talking points this year has been the mismatched conference system.
This format, at one point, saw every Conference A team ranked above every Conference B side, and while this ship righted itself somewhat, four ‘A’ teams finished above Carlton, yet the Blues qualified for the playoffs by topping their group.
Under this system, the top ranked team from each division hosts the runner up in the other, so Carlton take on a Dockers side who have lost just once this season.
The Crows are the only team to beat the Dockers so far, that victory coming in Round 4, yet they’ve come home strongly, winning their last three.
The Blues, on the other hand, lost games back-to-back to start the comp, before finding a win against GWS, falling to Geelong, edging out the Magpies, before losing to today’s opponents, the Dockers.
However, an iffy win over the Lions saw them into the pole position.
In team news: there are only minor changes for the Blues, who bring in Jess Edwards, replacing Abbie McKay, while the Dockers are unchanged from last weekend.
Tayla Harris has been in the news a lot this week, and whether or not she can put all the controversy behind her could determine if Carlton have a chance at home or whether the visitors will be too strong.
The Blues are in with a chance, but Freo have all the momentum, and will probably win to qualify for the grand final.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 2:45pm AEDT.
Time: 2:45pm AEDT.
Venue: Ikon Park.
Odds: Freo $1.38, Carlton $2.88.
TV: Fox Footy, 7 Network.
Carlton
Brooke Walker, Chloe Dalton, Breann Moody, Courtney Webb, Tilly Lucas-Rodd, Georgia Gee, Charlotte Wilson, Nicola Stevens, Rhiannon Watt, Bridie Kennedy, Reni Hicks, Jessica Edwards, Shae Audley, Emerson Woods, Alison Downie, Jayde Van Dyk, Natalie Plane.
Fremantle
Ashley Sharp, Kiara Bowers, Brianna Green, Lara Filocamo, Tayla Bresland, Tiah Haynes, Amy Lavell, Stacy Barr, Ebony Antonio, Kara Donellan, Dana Hooker, Belinda Smith, Hayley Miller, Gabby O’Sullivan, Kirby Bentley, Melissa Claudfield, Gemma Houghton, Cassie Davidson.
Gary
Roar Rookie
Disappointing end to Freo's season, but we didn't earn a home final so it was always going to be a harder task. All the teams will be subject to player losses with the new teams coming in next season... so it will be interesting to see where everyone stands next season. Fantastic effort from Fremantle all season, you all did a fantastic job. Hope you can stick together.
Tom English
Roar Guru
Well, that was convincing from the Blues, who took full advantage of the home game. Dominating Freo, a team who's gone 6 and 1 this year, but it was a comfortable win in the end, 36 points in it. Huge result – and it gives that Conference B a whole lot more stature. From 1:10pm AEDT tomorrow, we'll find out the Blues' opponent, when Adelaide and Geelong fight it out. Thanks for joining me, on The Roar, where it was Carlton absolutely comprehensive.
Haydos
Guest
As a Freo supporter well, yeah. That happened. Carlton just had to do enough to not be bottom 3 in their weak as water group, then have a really good day at home to make the GF. What a farce. hope Carlton win the whole thing now to really embarrass the geniuses who created the conferences.
Tom English
Roar Guru
Free kick to Prespakis...she kicks, but there's the siren!! Carlton 9,10: 64 Fremantle 4,4:28 FULLTIME.
Tom English
Roar Guru
30 seconds remain. Deep inside the 50, Carlton, Sarah Hosking it is, and GOAL! Carlton 9,10: 64 Fremantle 4,4:28 Q4 – '1
Tom English
Roar Guru
Straight down the middle. Brooke Walker it was! Carlton 8,10: 58 Fremantle 4,4:28 Q4 – '3
Tom English
Roar Guru
Frantic pace there, we have a free kick to Carlton inside the Freo 50! Carlton 7,10: 52 Fremantle 4,4:28 Q4 – '3
Tom English
Roar Guru
Duffie with an advantage, boots it home! Carlton 7,10: 52 Fremantle 4,4:28 Q4 – '5
Tom English
Roar Guru
Long shot, Hoskin dropped it on the goal line, behind only. Carlton 7,10: 52 Fremantle 3,4:22 Q4 – '6
Tom English
Roar Guru
Prespakis has a crack...! Misses right. Carlton 7,10: 52 Fremantle 3,3:21 Q4 – '6
Tom English
Roar Guru
Good mark by Walker, she kicks into the 50. Carlton 7,9: 51 Fremantle 3,3:21 Q4 – '8
Tom English
Roar Guru
Gemma Houghton goals up! Carlton 7,9: 51 Fremantle 3,3:21 Q4 – '9
Tom English
Roar Guru
Shot goes wide for the Dockers. Carlton 7,8: 50 Fremantle 2,3:15 Q4 – ‘11
Tom English
Roar Guru
Lucas-Rodd for another goal... Her kick from 35 is short. Carlton 7,8: 50 Fremantle 2,2:14 Q4 – ‘13
Tom English
Roar Guru
With Carlton a sure bet for the final, from here, what if Freo had hosted this? Given they ranked higher on the overall. Carlton 7,8: 50 Fremantle 2,2:14 Q4 – ‘14
Tom English
Roar Guru
Final term under way!
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Sad.
Tom English
Roar Guru
That's three quarter time! Most of that quarter was scoreless, but suddenly Carlton kicked their way out, with a couple of late goals. Blues locked in from here, I'd guess. Carlton 7,8: 50 Fremantle 2,2:14 3 Quarter Time.
Tom English
Roar Guru
In fact it was Dalton, who cleared Vescio for the goal.
Tom English
Roar Guru
Long kick – was meant to go to Vescio, but goes through instead! Goal Carlton! Carlton 7,8: 50 Fremantle 2,2:14 Q3 – '2