Carlton defeat Collingwood 7.4 (46) to 1.5 (11) at Ikon Park
Darcy Vescio kicks four goals in front of 24,000 fans as AFLW kicks off
10.52am GMT
The report from tonight’s game
Related: AFLW: Carlton defeat Pies as fans pour through gates at first women's game
10.39am GMT
A dominant display has delivered Carlton victory in the first AFLW match at Princes Park.
In front of a crowd of as many as 24,000 the Blues started nervously, but after 10 minutes where the Pies were on top and kicked the first goal they were never headed again.
10.30am GMT
Siren! An incredible night!
Full-time: @CarltonFC 7.4 (46) defeats @CollingwoodFCW 1.5 (11). @BriannaDavey and @darcyvee leading the way! pic.twitter.com/HbyYWhVdt5
10.29am GMT
The blood feud runs deep:
Hi Adam
As a Collingwood fan can I just say that football has been the real winner tonight. Not Carlton.
Pete
10.28am GMT
Carlton 7.4.46
Collingwood 1.5.11
The Blues have done it easily in the end, after 10 minutes at the start of the game were Collingwood were on top Carlton shot away and were never challenged again.
10.25am GMT
Goal!
Carlton 7.4.46
Collingwood 1.5.11
10.22am GMT
It’s Vescio again, and she is in everything. She misses but it’s no drama, her side are going to win comfortably.
10.21am GMT
It’s Vescio again - Lauren Arnell misses narrowly to the far side and extends the margin to 28 but the Carlton superstar teed her up for the shot with a short pass to her captain inside 50.
We’ve got four minutes left, and Collingwood don’t look likely to score another goal. Insert obligatory political comment about President Trump employing Carlton’s defence to act as his wall.
10.19am GMT
The Blues have got their own injury problems, with Nat Plane on crutches. At this rate anybody who missed out on being drafted will get their chance to play a senior game by Round 2.
10.19am GMT
.@biancajakobsson takes a big mark in Carlton's forward-line. The Pies are struggling to reduce the 27-point deficit #AFLWBluesPies pic.twitter.com/InwCAT5D45
10.18am GMT
Collingwood’s horror night continues as Steph Chiocci is also helped off the ground after a big hit. Their six woman bench is now down to two, and with such small lists I wonder how clubs are going to fill their side if they suffer an injury plague? Presumably you can sign a free agent from the local leagues if that happens.
10.15am GMT
Big grab over the top of two opponents from Carlton’s Bianca Jakobsson. She looks for Vescio (and why wouldn’t you?) but the ball falls free. Just a few seconds later Jakobsson is on the end of another mark. Her 14th disposal just falls short and is knocked through for a point. The Blues lead 38-11 with nine minutes left.
10.13am GMT
A reminder that the Grand Final will be played between the top two sides, making percentage crucial in case of a tie. That’s great news for the Blues if they can extend their lead.
Collingwood’s Helen Rodan - sister of former AFL player David - is also out of the game. The night just gets worse for the Pies.
10.11am GMT
The last quarter is underway - the Pies need to start scoring quickly if they want to be any chance. Carlton are the first to attack though, and the Carlton players can just about start warming up the vocal cords. The league has decided that the teams will sing the song on the ground after the game, which will be a great visual if not the jauntiest song on offer.
10.06am GMT
You know things are going well when there’s a spontaneous outbreak of public transport.
Just in from Ikon Park - Extra buses will be available after the match to take fans back into the city. #AFLWBluesPies
10.05am GMT
Carlton 6.1.37
Collingwood 1.5.11
Things are looking grim for the Pies, not sure many teams have ever increased their goal tally by 700% to win in the last quarter.
10.01am GMT
Goal!
Carlton 6.1.37
Collingwood 1.5.11
9.59am GMT
One of the ever popular below the knee contact free kicks goes to Collingwood’s Sarah D’Arcy. She’s 40 metres out and tries a short pass but it’s cut off by this steel trap Carlton defence. Melbourne’s one goal in their warm-up game is looking a lot better after seeing the Blues in action.
9.57am GMT
Goal!
Carlton 5.1.31
Collingwood 1.5.11
9.53am GMT
The ball has spent the last couple of minutes locked inside Carlton’s forward 50. To the surprise of nobody who has been watching this game it was set up by Vescio, this time swooping down the wing. A bad bounce cost her a chance to find a target, but she recovered and propelled the ball towards goal.
It eventually made it to the line but Collingwood held on and stopped the Blues from scoring. We’ve got just under seven minutes left in the third quarter and Carlton are 14 points in front.
9.50am GMT
Collingwood look more dangerous already this quarter, but Carlton’s defence are swooping on every attack. The Magpie forwards will need to find space if they’re going to challenge in the remaining 10 minutes of the third quarter.
9.48am GMT
Moana Hope has her first chance of the night, nudging her opponent under the ball the mark a quick kick inside 50 but with an open goal beckoning she sprays it to the right. Carlton lead 25-11 but it’s not over yet.
9.47am GMT
The third quarter is on. Once again we’re momentarily trapped in the middle as the teams try to get the ball clear. The Pies are the first to break from the square but only find Blues. Collingwood go forward again, but King gives a free kick away to Downie in the ruck contest and Carlton are clear.
9.40am GMT
If you’ve been inspired to catch an AFLW game this weekend your other options are:
9.37am GMT
The leading possession getters so far,
11 - Brianna Davey (Carlton)
8 - Lauren Brazzale (Carlton) and Amelia Barden (Collingwood)
7 - Lauren Arnell (Carlton), Nat Exon (Carlton), Caitlyn Edwards (Collingwood)
9.32am GMT
Carlton 4.1.25
Collingwood 1.4.10
With 24,000 people in the ground, fans locked out and league executives apologising on a megaphone it’s all gone a bit World Series Cricket.
9.28am GMT
Amelia Barden has a shot from 50 metres out after the siren but doesn’t make the distance. Carlton lead by 15.
9.26am GMT
Right on cue Jess Cameron marks on a tough angle. She becomes the first player to be mozzed by a commentator when described as the best kick in the competition shortly before hitting the post. 50 seconds left, Carlton lead 25-10.
9.25am GMT
Collingwood are back on the board again, this time with a rushed behind after a rolling ball towards the square. There’s two minutes left until half time and they will be desperate for a goal.
9.24am GMT
Goal!
Carlton 4.1.25
Collingwood 1.2.8
9.23am GMT
It’s the Blues leading 19-8 midway through the second term. Brianna Davey stepping up for @CarltonFC with 10 disposals #AFLWBluesPies pic.twitter.com/GPf8kOL2Xd
9.20am GMT
The game has turned right on its head, ironically Carlton are playing better than they did in the first quarter but aren’t kicking goals. They’re keeping the ball forward though, which is denying Collingwood opportunities.
The Pies do get a chance to go forward after a holding the ball free kick in the middle of the ground, but Hope is unable to beat Exon in the marking dual.
9.17am GMT
Lauren Arnell is back, and she sets up a chain of play that ends in a Vescio mark. I never knew I could enjoy watching a Carlton player so much...
The Blues head towards goal but Collingwood defuse the attack on the line. Carlton head down the other end, but spurn a good chance with an open goal beckoning. First score of Q2 - Carlton lead 19-8.
9.14am GMT
The second quarter is on, and we’ve got another series of repeat stoppages in the middle of the ground. Collingwood are the first to go into attack, but the Blues defence mops up and thumps the ball back into the middle of the ground.
It only gets as far as Pies vice-captain Alica Eva, who pumps inside 50. The Blues are lucky to get out of a tackle with a ball that drops to the boot (or perhaps hit the knee) at the last minute. No score yet in Q2.
9.09am GMT
Does he take requests?
Gillon McLachlan just apologised to those who have been locked out via the public address. Extraordinary scenes
9.09am GMT
Lauren Brazzale is leading disposals with 6 at quarter time, while Jasmine Garner kicked the first goal of the season/ever! #AFLWBluesPies pic.twitter.com/u9PKMIda3k
9.09am GMT
Who knows what the capacity of Princes Park is these days, but whatever it is this crowd has cracked it. The game is now officially a lockout, which is a fantastic result. The crowd is being rewarded with a tough game so far.
I’m sure there are killjoys moaning about the skill level. I follow Melbourne so nothing can faze me. It’s been good fun so far, just sit back and enjoy.
9.06am GMT
Carlton 3.0.18
Collingwood 1.2.8
After a nervy, frantic start where the ball was stuck in the middle for the first couple of minutes the Pies were the better side by far in the opening minutes. They got the first goal, but two against the run of play put them on top before that last cherry on top gave them a handy lead. So far Moanna Hope has been well held, with goalkicker Jasmine Garner the best of the Pies attack.
9.03am GMT
Goal!
Carlton 3.0.18
Collingwood 1.2.8
9.01am GMT
Here’s a look back at the first goal, that’s the only joy the Pies have had up front so far.
Jasmine Garner makes history! She’s kicked the opening goal for @CollingwoodFCW and the Pies lead 7-0 #AFLWBluesPies @garnerjasmine pic.twitter.com/YoWNwqYWcQ
8.59am GMT
Goal!
Carlton 2.0.12
Collingwood 1.2.8
8.58am GMT
Garner is causing chaos in the Pies forward line, after kicking the first goal she wins a holding the ball free kick inside 50. Her pass ends in Brianna Davey doing what a goalkeeper does and punching it away from danger.
Pies by two.
8.57am GMT
Reader Peter spotted this piece of key analysis in the pre-game show
Great to hear Sam Lane point out that researchers have told the AFL women have smaller hands. Science is great!
8.56am GMT
Goal!
Carlton 1.0.6
Collingwood 1.1.7
8.54am GMT
Goal!
Collingwood 1.1.7
Carlton 0.0.0
8.52am GMT
Another look at the huge crowd that’s turned up for tonight’s game.
Standing room only at Ikon Stadium #AFLW pic.twitter.com/u62MOeAomL
8.52am GMT
More equality as we see the first player being given unwelcome advice from over the fence.
The Pies are on the board first, Chiocci shrugs a tackle and has a flying shot from 30 metres out that misses to the right
8.49am GMT
We’ve got a lot of congestion in the middle of the ground as the two sides crash in, and it’s finally cleared as the Pies captain Chiocci wins a free. She gets the first meaningful touch of the game, but the two sides are nervous and are turning the ball over. The first inside 50 comes from Collingwood retreating into their own defence.
8.46am GMT
It’s a new competition! Collingwood has won the toss and are kicking to the right of your screen/mobile connected device.
Emma King gets the first hitout, and we’re immediately into a repeat stoppage as the players stack on in the middle of the ground.
8.42am GMT
The women have truly reached equality, 44 players are lined up to listen to the same tape of Julie Anthony’s singing Advance Australia Fair that the men get for all special occasions short of the Grand Final.
8.39am GMT
The teams had mixed results in their single pre-season games. Collingwood lost to the Western Bulldogs 3.3.21 to 4.7.31, while Carlton won comfortably over Melbourne 8.4.52 to 1.3.9.
8.36am GMT
The teams are out on the ground and we’re 10 minutes from the first bounce. Carlton coach Damien Keeping has identified the Pies’ forward line as a big danger and suggested that his defenders have put a lot of work into them.
Collingwood’s Wayne Siekman has identified his side as strong, physical and intending to play an exciting brand of footy.
8.32am GMT
Players to watch:
Much of the pre-season hype has surrounded Collingwood’s star full-forward Moana Hope. A dominant goalkicker in the local competition, her proven ability to hit the scoreboard may be crucial in a season where we’re not expecting high scoring games.
8.24am GMT
The AFL will be thrilled at this turnout, and poor old Princes Park will under all sorts of stress.
Check out this crowd! #AFLW #AFLWBluesPies pic.twitter.com/TqejlwXq4Z
8.20am GMT
Tonight’s teams, courtesy of afl.com.au. A reminder that each team will play 16 a side, but with two extra players on the bench. No doubt this is being viewed with much interest by the AFL as they ponder reducing the number of players on male teams as well.
Congratulations to Collingwood ruck Emma King, who for reasons unknown has decided to don #60 when there’s only 28 players on the list. There should be more of it. In other team news we miss out on Febey-esque confusion as Carlton’s Sarah Hosking goes it alone without identical twin Jess.
8.17am GMT
A few Magpie loyalists must have a tear in the eye playing a home game at Ikon Park (nee Princes Park, Optus Oval, MC Labour Park and goodness knows what in between).
The game was originally scheduled for Collingwood’s Olympic Park training ground, but as that’s effectively a suburban park with few facilities for fans the AFL correctly read how public interest was going and moved it to a larger venue.
8.11am GMT
A little girl studying the Footy Record at the #AFL Women’s League season opener. My heart soared. #AFLW #equality pic.twitter.com/9MYljjfrye
8.09am GMT
As we warm up, have a read of this gem from Nicole Hayes:
But it wasn’t until the following week when I wandered past this young daughter and her middle-aged mum – the two of them alone, in the middle of the oval, playing that age-old backyard game out there for anyone to see – that I began to measure the enormity of what was happening. Professionalising the competition, broadcasting the games, paying the players… It gave women’s footy an authority, an authenticity and a presence it had never enjoyed before.
And I began to see mothers and daughters everywhere, playing kick-to-kick, just like it was an everyday thing. Like it was their game too.
8.06am GMT
Welcome to our coverage of this historic night in Australian rules football, as we witness the birth of a new competition. Traditional rivals Carlton and Collingwood have done battle in a variety of men’s competitions over the years - from seniors, to reserves, under 19s, fourths, Little League and the Voice Of The G’s Playstation Challenge - now they meet in the first official game of the AFL Womens league. First bounce is at 7.45pm AEDT.
It’s not the first national league for women, in fact it’s well down the list of seniority, but the birth of the competition has seen unprecedented media coverage for female club sport in Australia. There are already large crowds filing in to Ikon Park, probably the largest since the ground stopped hosting AFL home and away games in 2005.
Crowd is keen!@aflwomens #AFLWBluesPies #AFLW pic.twitter.com/A8ljeYK5eg
6.37am GMT
Adam will be here shortly. In the meantime, check out Russell Jackson’s take on some of the forebears who should be acknowledged today, and a book that pays tribute to them.
Related: AFLW pioneers stand on the shoulders of little-known giants
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