CONSISTENCY is key.

It was a difficult day at Victoria Park as the Blues were unable to finish off hard work in front of goal against a clean Magpies side.

The Magpies added to their tally early, kicking two goals in the first quarter. This gave the Blues more determination to persevere and respond rapidly to the contest.

Carlton had possession 60 per cent of the time in the first quarter, but Collingwood was able to make the most of their opportunities, scoring 2.2 in the first 20 minutes of play.

Bodies flew everywhere as Carlton was putting their effort to the test. They went into this match averaging 62 tackles per game, illustrating how much determination they put into going for the hard ball. 

Carlton slowed down the pace of Collingwood, allowing only nine points to be scored for the remainder of the match.

The smothering defence from Gen Lawson-Tavan (six disposals, three marks) shook up Collingwood’s attack with her sheer presence. It wasn’t the work on the ball, but off the ball that kept the workhorse in the contest and turning the ball over in Carlton's favour as the pressure mounted. 

Midway through the second quarter, the Magpies quickly jumped out to a 17-point lead, but a late goal from Co-Captain Eliza Wood put the Blues back in the contest to place some scoreboard pressure on the home side.

Carlton could sense the momentum shift, going into the main break with a reduced deficit of 11 points.

Unfortunately, the Blues were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard, with both Izzy Khoury and Lila Keck scoring two behinds each.

Carlton would be proud of their performance winning most areas on the field and dominating in defence — ending with +16 tackles, +14 inside 50s and +10 clearances. It was the marks that let them down with -16 for the day - especially going into the forward 50 -  making it more difficult to add goals on the scoreboard.

A tough day at the office for Carlton has handed them their third loss in a row, but another week of teamwork and gradual improvement will put out a determined team against a powerful Port Melbourne side come Round 5.

Match summary

COLLINGWOOD       2.2     3.2      4.3       4.5 (29)

CARLTON                   0.1     1.3      1.5       1.6 (12)

GOALS
Wood

BEST
Baldwin, Bowey, Guerin, Lawson-Tavan, Stokes